The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1296 in Clarksville, Tennessee, has ratified a four-year collective bargaining agreement with Trane Technologies. The contract includes significant wage increases, improved benefits, and enhanced workplace protections for nearly 1,700 employees in the region.
Trane Technologies is one of the largest employers in Clarksville, a city that has grown from its roots as a tobacco farming community to become the fifth largest metropolitan area in Tennessee. The company was founded as a family plumbing business in Wisconsin in 1885 and later became known for its heating and air conditioning products.
“There is a lot of working-class history in the city of Clarksville and a strong union tradition at Trane Technologies,” said IAM Union Local 1296 President Brandie Givens. “The IAM Union is proud to be part of that history. Our members there have been the centerpiece of innovation, and they play a role in sustaining our local community and economy.”
This contract marks the first time women have held top leadership positions within Local 1296. The negotiating committee received training at the IAM’s William W. Winpisinger Center Education and Training Center in Maryland, which was crucial for handling negotiations of this scale.
“We didn’t know what to expect when we started preparing, but we were very excited and pleased when the membership ratified the new contract,” said Givens. “The negotiating committee attended the Negotiation Prep Program at the William W. Winpisinger Center.”
Support also came from participation in programs like Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (LEADS), which prepares women for leadership roles within IAM.
“I was honored to be able to participate in the first cohort of the LEADS program and was also a member of the Committee on the Future. The LEADS Program showed me that women are not alone in the fight against management and we have allies throughout the IAM,” said IAM Union Local 1296 Recording Secretary and Grievance Committee Member Ashley Carpenter. “I was able to learn so much about our union that I didn’t know prior. My self-confidence grew as a result.”
Carpenter has worked at Trane Technologies for almost two decades, spending most years brazing copper tubing on production lines while raising her daughter as a single parent.
“Trane has been open for decades and has contributed to the local economy by negotiating contracts that allow our members to be able to take care of their families,” said Carpenter. “Me, along with several other employees, are second- or third-generation IAM Union members at Trane.”
Women now make up nearly half of all union members nationally according to data from organizations such as National Women’s Law Center—a trend reflected locally despite overall declines in union membership over recent decades.
“We look forward to making the lives of our members and their families better every day,” said Givens. “I would like to thank all the union brothers and sisters that helped and supported us.”
Under terms agreed upon with Trane Technologies, workers will see an immediate 9.3% wage increase—equivalent to $2 per hour—and maintenance workers will receive an additional $2 skill adjustment pay raise during year one. Wage increases continue through each year covered by this agreement.
“I’m so proud of our members and their negotiating team. Once again, the IAM Union leads the way in the South when it comes to fighting for the working class and winning,” said IAM Union Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “Our bargaining team worked hard, didn’t budge, and ultimately delivered a contract that lifts the quality of life for working families in northern Tennessee.”
“Our union takes pride in bargaining industry-leading contracts. We set the bar high,” added Reggie Dixon, Chief of Staff for Southern Territory at IAM Union.“We step up, take care of our members, and make sure they are rewarded for their loyalty and hard work.Our members come first, plain and simple.And we delivered there in Tennessee.”
Beyond wages,the new deal improves bereavement leave,increases paid time off,and enhances insurance benefits.It also gives shop stewards more freedom conducting union business without unnecessary restrictions.
“This contract is about more than just numbers,it’s about dignity onthe job.We did bargaining unit surveysin early2024.The committee took theresults…and formed proposals,”said Bill Benson,IAM District1888 Directing Business Representative.“We fought forthese gains atthe table,and they willhave alasting impacton…ourmembersandtheirfamilies.Westarted negotiationsinDecemberof2024,andwestayedatthebargainingtableuntilmid-February2025.”
Union leaders say these outcomes send an important message across southern states where anti-union sentiment remains strong due partlyto right-to-work laws limiting labor power.“It can be toughinTennessee…butthiscontractshowsthemthatwewillpersevereandpushforwardinthefaceofanyopposition,”said BillyGivens,District1888AssistantDirectingBusinessRepresentative.
Local unemployment rates have recently risen slightly above three percent—an increase highlighting why secure labor agreements remain vital for area workers’ stability.
“It takes teamworkandtrusttowinatthbargainingtable,”saidGeneralVicePresidentMartin.”IAMUnionheadquarters,theSouthernTerritory,District1888,andmostimportantlyLocal1296deliveredandwonbigforworkingfamilies.”
District1888representsworkersatTraneTechnologiesaswellaslocalmilitaryinstallations,TennesseeValleyAuthority,andmorethan60otherworksitesacrossTennessee,Kentucky,Alabama,andGeorgia.Unionofficialsintendtoleveragecurrentmomentumforfuturebargainingeffortsinthedistrict.“Wehavealongtrackrecordoffightingforourdedicated,talentedworkersandthemiddle-classfamiliesinthatregionoftheSouth,”saidMartin.”We will use our historyofsuccessinthesouthandrecentcontractvictoryatTraneTechnologiesasmomentuminfuturecollectivebargainingnegotiationsandorganizingdrives.Thebestisyettocome,andmembersatIAMUnionDistrict1888andLocal1296willbepartofit.”
