IAM Local 2789 members working at John Deere’s Augusta, Georgia facility have ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement. The contract, approved on November 12 after two weeks of negotiations led by IAM District 243 Business Representative Cal Nachimson, covers 300 workers, including 120 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). It is considered the strongest agreement reached at the facility in more than two decades.
Negotiations started with non-economic proposals in early October, followed by economic discussions in November. According to Nachimson, both parties were able to quickly engage in productive talks. “We kept the focus where it needed to be—on getting our members the contract they deserve,” said Nachimson.
Long-time employees welcomed significant changes such as updates to paid time off policies and an end to the alternating lump-sum system for general pay increases. These adjustments address previous concerns about income loss among workers.
Craig Martin, IAM Southern Territory General Vice President, praised those involved in the bargaining process. “Local 2789 set a new standard for John Deere negotiations,” Martin stated. “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 acknowledged the team’s achievements. “This agreement shows what workers can achieve when they stand together,” Bryant said. “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 noted that three members of the bargaining committee were first-time negotiators and thanked Derek Cearley, Taz Hurst, and Pamela Evans from various IAM departments for their support during talks. “Everyone stepped up,” Nachimson said. “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 provides annual wage increases over four years—4%, 3%, 2%, and 2% respectively—and eliminates lump-sum wage years so that raises now fully compound year-over-year. Paid time off will now be compensated at full hourly rates rather than a percentage formula previously used by management.
Additional benefits include two new personal vacation days that can function as sick leave; an option for employees to skip paid time off during plant shutdowns without penalty; a $3,000 ratification bonus; increased shift differentials; higher employer contributions toward health savings accounts (HSA), 401(k) matching funds, and safety shoe allowances; no insurance premium increases throughout the contract term; Veterans Day recognized as a paid holiday; improved work schedules and production incentives; access to supplemental insurance options through Machinists Custom Choices; and indications from management regarding future work assignments and capital investments at the Augusta facility.
The bargaining committee was chaired by Roseal Goss (also Local 2789 President), along with Frederica Haynes, Stevie Crocker, and Billy Dingel.
