The United Auto Workers (UAW) Union announced that they reached a deal with Daimler Truck for workers in NC, GA, and TN. And it sounds like a good deal to me. My question is this development a good sign for the union vote at Daimler’s Mercedes plant in Tuscaloosa, AL?
The United Auto Workers union announced it reached a last-minute tentative agreement with truck and bus manufacturer Daimler Truck, averting a potential strike of more than 7,000 workers. The union struck a four-year agreement with the German company just before the expiration of the previous contract, which was enacted six years ago. It covers workers at various plants in North Carolina — where Daimler makes Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner and Western Star trucks — as well as workers at distribution plants in Atlanta and Memphis, Tennessee. UAW President Shawn Fain says the new contract includes wage increases of more than 25% over the next four years and cost-of-living adjustments, among other things. Union members still need to approve the agreement…
In an online speech, UAW President Shawn Fain said the new contract includes wage increases of more than 25% over the next four years, including a 10% raise after the deal is ratified. Fain said the deal also includes the end of wage tiers at the company, as well as cost-of-living adjustments and "profit sharing for the first time in Daimler history."
The union vote is next month, and Alabama Republicans are apoplectic that workers may vote “YES.” I expect that the UAW will trumpet this tentative deal with Daimler as a talking point for their union drive at the Tucscaloosa Mercedes plant. Therefore, I think this is a good develepment, but I am trying not to count any chickens just yet.