Unionised workers at the Volvo Trucks North America plant in Pulaski County rejected the tentative five-year contract, about 15 days after they ended a strike that lasted about 13 days.
The negotiations for a new five-year contract had started in February 2021. There were disputes regarding various aspects of pay, benefits and work schedules. The workers voted against all three issues by a huge margin of 83 to 91 per cent. The plant presently has over 3,300 workers, of which a significant 2,900 are members of the United Auto Workers (UAW).
Meanwhile, the Company has stated that it will try to address all concerns and offer solutions that are mutually beneficial. Volvo Trucks North America has been informed that the United Auto Workers (UAW)-represented employees will report to work and will soon be back to bargaining.
Voting was on Sunday, May 16 at the UAW Local 2069 hall in Dublin, and the results were revealed online before 8:30 p.m.
The plant has been working towards making technological upgradations, for which it has invested about $400 million. It is also looking at expanding the site with a view to preparing future products, including the new Volvo VNR Electric truck.
About 1,100 people have been employed at the plant ever since the last union agreement was implemented almost five years ago. The plant, which is the largest manufacturer of tractor-trailer trucks worldwide, is gearing for a net increase of about 600 positions in 2021.
