Clarksville, Tenn., Feb. 27, 2025 – Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) Local 1296, who manufacture large commercial heating and air units at Trane Technologies, overwhelmingly ratified a four-year collective bargaining agreement that delivers historic wage increases, enhanced benefits, and stronger workplace protections.
The agreement, covering over 1300 employees and approximately 1100 IAM Union members at the Clarksville, TN plant, includes an immediate 9.3% wage increase in the first year, amounting to a $2 raise for all employees and an additional $2 skill adder adjustment for maintenance workers. It also includes wage increases over the four years.
“This agreement is a major win for IAM Union Local 1296 members, the Clarksville community, and it represents the power of solidarity,” said IAM Union District 1888 Business Representative/Organizer Casey Page. “We secured the highest wage increases our members have ever seen, alongside critical language protections around work-life balance and job security.”
Beyond wages, the contract improves bereavement leave, increases paid time off, enhances insurance benefits, and reinforces language protecting workers from mandatory weekend overtime. Additionally, provisions allowing union stewards to conduct union business will ensure they receive proper training to better serve the IAM Union Local 1296 membership.
“This contract is about more than just numbers—it’s about dignity on the job,” said IAM Union District 1888 Assistant Directing Business Representative Bill Benson. “We fought for these gains at the table, and they will have a lasting impact on the lives of our members and their families.”
“The strength of this agreement is a testament to our members’ preparation and dedication,” said IAM Union Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “Their hard work has resulted in a contract that not only raises the standard for wages and benefits but also strengthens the IAM’s presence in the South.
“The wages and benefits in this contract are the most we’ve ever seen, and the additional protective language ensures long-term security for our members,” said IAM Union Local 1296 President Brandie Givens. “This agreement empowers workers and will help empower the community together. We are grateful to District 1888 for their leadership in helping us achieve this victory. It was an honor to carry the torch forward and continue the work that began decades ago.”
Givens also acknowledged the role of the LEADS program in mentoring future union leaders, noting that she and IAM Local 1296 Recording Secretary Ashley Carpenter are the second generation of women leaders in the local, following in the footsteps of Sandra Threatt, the first female IAM Union Local 1296 vice president to sit at negotiations almost a decade ago.
“Solidarity and support for the leadership and the bargaining committee was the key to these successful negotiations,” said IAM Union Collective Bargaining Director Craig Norman. “The ratification of this contract showed the power of the coordinated bargaining committee and demonstrated how important it is to speak with one voice at the negotiating table.”
IAM Union District 1888 represents members at Trane, military installations, the Tennessee Valley Authority, Bluegrass Station, and more than 60 other worksites throughout Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Georgia. It continues to advocate for better working conditions across industries in Tennessee and Kentucky.
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