Nearly 400 IAM members who work at the Daimler Corporation’s Portland Truck Plant in Portland, OR, recently ratified a new collective bargaining agreement that preserves current pay levels and increases pension contributions while allowing for flexibility to improve productivity at the facility.
“Our members now have the prospect of their jobs continuing for three years without a reduction in pay, and the confidence that the Portland Truck Plant will be operational for that time. This is a good agreement that had been recommended by the union bargaining committee and was ratified by the membership,” said IAM District 24 Business Representative Joe Kear. The IAM has represented workers at the Portland Truck Plant since 1947.
The bargaining committee began with protecting current pay levels and increasing pension contributions to the Machinists Automotive Pension Fund. The committee also overhauled the workforce structure to allow for more employee input into operations by increasing cross training and skill building. Language was included in the new contract that will provide each employee with two weeks’ severance pay for each year of seniority, in case a plant closure was ultimately needed.
“The new three-year contract has delivered some hope to workers who have dedicated themselves to building these world-class trucks,” said Western Territory GVP Gary Allen. “This facility has withstood difficult times, and all parties came together to define a joint vision for their future. It is a testament to the representatives, and we are proud of their efforts.”
