IAM Local 2789 members at John Deere’s Augusta, Georgia facility have ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement. The vote, held on November 12, followed two weeks of negotiations led by IAM District 243 Business Representative Cal Nachimson. The contract covers 300 workers, including 120 International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) members.
Negotiations began in early October with non-economic proposals and moved to economic issues in early November. Nachimson described the talks as productive, stating, “We kept the focus where it needed to be—on getting our members the contract they deserve.”
Long-time employees expressed support for changes to paid time off and the removal of an alternating lump-sum system for general pay increases. These adjustments were seen as solutions to income loss issues experienced under previous agreements.
Craig Martin, IAM Southern Territory General Vice President, praised the outcome: “Local 2789 set a new standard for John Deere negotiations. 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 commented on the agreement: “This agreement shows what workers can achieve when they stand together. 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 both experienced and first-time negotiators on the bargaining team for their work. He also thanked Derek Cearley, Taz Hurst, and Pamela Evans from IAM for their support during negotiations. “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.”
The new contract includes annual general wage increases over four years—4%, 3%, 2%, and 2%. It ends lump-sum wage years in favor of full compounding raises. Paid time off will now be compensated at a full hourly rate instead of a percentage formula that previously reduced earnings.
Other key provisions include two new personal vacation days that can function as sick leave; an option to skip paid time off during plant shutdowns without penalties; a $3,000 ratification bonus; increased shift differential pay; higher contributions to health savings accounts (HSA), enhanced 401(k) matching, safety shoe allowance improvements; no insurance premium increases throughout the contract period; Veterans Day added as a paid holiday; schedule flexibility enhancements; production incentive improvements; supplemental insurance options through Machinists Custom Choices; and indications of future investment at the Augusta facility.
The bargaining committee consisted of Roseal Goss (Chair and Local 2789 President), Frederica Haynes, Stevie Crocker, and Billy Dingel.
