CHICAGO, Oct. 9, 2023 (Xinhua) – Unionized workers at Mack Trucks, owned by Volvo Group, announced on Monday a strike after the majority of the company’s unionized workers in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Florida rejected an initial agreement on Sunday.
The initial agreement covers 4,000 union workers, and its terms vary according to location and job. For many MacTrax employees, it included a 19 percent pay raise, a $3,500 tenure bonus and an increased contribution to a 401(k) retirement savings account. It also reduced the length of time to reach peak wages by one year to five years.
But the initial agreement does not include the return of pensions, a cost of living allowance, or a shorter work week.
The United Auto Workers Union, which represents Mach Trucks workers in the three American states, reached this initial agreement with the company on October 1.
In a letter to Volvo Trucks, the parent company of Mack Trucks, UAW President Sean Fein said union members and workers across the country are seeking their fair share of wages and benefits.
The Detroit News quoted Finn as saying in the letter, “I feel inspired to see the union members at MAC TRACKS clinging to a better deal and willing to stand up and leave the job to get it,” adding that “it is the members who have the final say, their solidarity and organization.” “He’s the one who will win a fair contract at Mack Trucks.”
In response, Mack Trucks President Stephen Roy said in a statement Sunday night that the company was “surprised and disappointed” that the union chose to strike.
The statement noted that Mack is part of the only heavy-duty truck manufacturing group that assembles all of its vehicles and engines for North America in the United States, competing with trucks made in low-cost countries.
He stated that the company is committed to collective bargaining and is confident that the two sides will reach an agreement that provides competitive wages and benefits while protecting the company’s future.
Local media reported that the rejection of the initial agreement may have been due to high expectations set by the United Auto Workers Union during the negotiation process with the three major American automakers.
In its talks with the Big Three, the union requested a 36 percent pay rise over four years. Ford has offered 23 percent so far, and the other two companies have offered 20 percent.
With Mac Trucks workers on strike, the total number of union members on strike now exceeds 30,000 in 22 states, it was reported Monday.
Founded in 1900, Mack Trucks is one of the largest heavy-duty truck producers in North America, and its trucks are sold and serviced in more than 45 countries.
2023-10-10 05:13:15
#Mach #Trucks #workers #strike #rejecting #preliminary #contract #agreement
