Even though negotiators this week were able to reach tentative agreements on four local issues, the strike at three Mack Trucks plants continues, and no new negotiation sessions have been scheduled.
In a statement issued Thursday, Mack said it and United Auto Workers negotiators were able to reach tentative agreements this week on the four local agreements that were not ratified by union members on Oct. 8. However, Mack’s statement said UAW leadership’s economic demands at the master contract level “continue to be unrealistic.”
Mack said it stands by the economic terms of its Oct. 1 tentative agreement with the union, which UAW leadership endorsed and called a “record” contract for the heavy truck industry.
Per the terms of the tentative agreement:
- The average wage increase over five years would be 36%, with an average immediate wage increase for all covered employees of nearly 15%.
- For employees not yet at the top rate – nearly half the total workforce – the average increase over five years would be 55%, and the average immediate wage increase would be more than 20%.
- Most employees already at the top rate would receive an immediate wage increase of 10%, and up to 20% compounded over five years, even though company research shows that these employees are already above market rates.
- Premiums for the company’s healthcare coverage – which have not increased in more than six years despite a 66% increase in the company’s costs over the last decade – would remain unchanged for five more years.
Mack’s statement said no additional discussions with the UAW have been scheduled at this time.
Some 3,900 workers at Mack plants in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Florida went on strike Oct. 9 after rejecting a tentative contract agreement between the company and the union reached on Oct. 1.
While the strike at Mack’s three plants continues, UAW reached a tentative agreement with Ford after a 41-day work stoppage. Workers at select General Motors and Stellantis plants remain on strike.
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