IAM Local 2789 members working at John Deere’s Augusta, Georgia facility have ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement. The vote took place on November 12 after two weeks of negotiations led by IAM District 243 Business Representative Cal Nachimson. The contract covers 300 workers, including 120 International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) members, and is considered the strongest in more than two decades for this workforce.
Negotiations began in early October with non-economic proposals, followed by economic discussions starting November 3. Nachimson described the talks as productive. “We kept the focus where it needed to be—on getting our members the contract they deserve,” he said.
Long-term employees welcomed changes such as improvements to paid time off and an end to the alternating lump-sum system for general pay increases, which had previously resulted in lost income.
Craig Martin, IAM Southern Territory General Vice President, praised the local’s approach. “Local 2789 set a new standard for John Deere negotiations,” said Martin. “Their solidarity and preparation delivered life-changing improvements for our members, and other negotiations with John Deere will follow their lead.”
IAM International President Brian Bryant also recognized the bargaining committee’s efforts: “This agreement shows what workers can achieve when they stand together. Taking the time and effort to fix long-time issues with improvements like this is something to be very proud of. This contract reflects the true value of their labor.”
Nachimson highlighted that three bargaining team members were first-time negotiators and acknowledged support from Derek Cearley, IAM Senior Research Economist Taz Hurst, and Pamela Evans from the IAM’s Winpisinger Center. “Everyone stepped up,” said Nachimson. “This contract puts money back in our members’ pockets and gives them the respect they deserve. The negotiation committee deserves all the praises.”
The agreement includes annual general wage increases of 4%, 3%, 2%, and 2% over four years; ends lump-sum wage years so raises are fully compounded; pays all paid time off at full hourly rates instead of using a percentage formula; adds two personal vacation days usable as sick leave; allows workers to skip PTO during plant shutdowns without penalty; provides a $3,000 ratification bonus; increases shift differential pay, HSA contributions, 401(k) match, and safety shoe allowance; keeps insurance premiums flat throughout the contract period; adds Veterans Day as a paid holiday; improves work schedules and production incentives; introduces Machinists Custom Choices supplemental insurance; and signals future work along with capital investment at the Augusta facility.
The bargaining committee included Roseal Goss (Chair and Local 2789 President), Frederica Haynes, Stevie Crocker, and Billy Dingel.
