IAM Local 2789 members at John Deere’s Augusta, Ga., facility voted overwhelmingly on Nov. 12 to ratify a new four-year collective bargaining agreement, capping two weeks of negotiations led by IAM District 243 Business Representative Cal Nachimson. The agreement covers 300 workers, including 120 IAM members, and is widely regarded as the strongest contract the workforce has seen in over 20 years.
Negotiations began with non-economic proposals the week of Oct. 6, followed by economic bargaining the week of Nov. 3. Nachimson said both sides quickly settled into productive talks.
“We kept the focus where it needed to be—on getting our members the contract they deserve,” said Nachimson.
Long-time employees praised changes to paid-time-off and the elimination of the alternating lump-sum system for general pay increases, both of which had caused workers to lose income over time.
IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin applauded the bargaining committee’s work.
“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 commended the team as well.
“This agreement shows what workers can achieve when they stand together,” said Bryant. “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 the unity of the bargaining team—three of whom were first-time negotiators—and thanked Southern Territory Special Representative Derek Cearley, IAM Senior Research Economist Taz Hurst, and Pamela Evans of the IAM’s Winpisinger Center for their support.
“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.”
Key Contract Wins
The new agreement delivers major wage, benefit, and quality-of-life improvements, including:
- Annual general wage increases of 4%, 3%, 2%, and 2%
- End of lump-sum wage years, ensuring full compounding raises
- All paid time off now paid at full hourly rate, replacing a costly percentage formula
- Two new personal vacation days functioning as sick leave
- Option to skip PTO during plant shutdowns without penalties
- $3,000 ratification bonus
- Increases to shift differential, HSA contributions, 401(k) match, and safety shoe allowance
- No insurance premium increases over the life of the contract
- Veterans Day added as a paid holiday
- Improvements to work schedules and production incentives
- Addition of Machinists Custom Choices supplemental insurance
- Strong indications of future work and capital investment at the facility
Bargaining Committee
Roseal Goss, Chair and Local 2789 President
Frederica Haynes
Stevie Crocker
Billy Dingel
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