IAM Local 2789 members at John Deere’s Augusta, Georgia facility have ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement. The vote took place on November 12, following two weeks of negotiations led by IAM District 243 Business Representative Cal Nachimson. The contract covers about 300 workers, including 120 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), and is considered the most significant agreement for this workforce in more than two decades.
Negotiations started with non-economic issues in early October and moved to economic topics in November. According to Nachimson, both sides quickly engaged in constructive discussions. “We kept the focus where it needed to be—on getting our members the contract they deserve,” said Nachimson.
Long-serving employees welcomed changes such as improved paid time off and the end of an alternating lump-sum pay system that had previously resulted in lost income for some workers.
Craig Martin, IAM Southern Territory General Vice President, recognized the committee’s achievements: “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 praised the outcome: “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 credited the unity among negotiators—including three first-time participants—and thanked Derek Cearley (Southern Territory Special Representative), Taz Hurst (IAM Senior Research Economist), and Pamela Evans (Winpisinger Center) for their support. “Everyone stepped up,” he 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 new contract provides annual general wage increases over four years (4%, 3%, 2%, then 2%), eliminates lump-sum wage years so raises are fully compounded, ensures all paid time off is now paid at full hourly rates instead of a percentage formula, adds two personal vacation days usable as sick leave, allows employees to skip PTO during plant shutdowns without penalty, includes a $3,000 ratification bonus, increases shift differentials as well as contributions to health savings accounts and retirement plans, holds insurance premiums steady throughout its term, adds Veterans Day as a paid holiday, improves work schedules and production incentives, introduces Machinists Custom Choices supplemental insurance options, and signals possible future investments at the facility.
The bargaining committee was chaired by Roseal Goss (Local 2789 President) with Frederica Haynes, Stevie Crocker, and Billy Dingel serving alongside.
