Nearly 600 auto mechanics, parts persons and service support personnel of IAM Local 737/District 77 have ratified a tentative agreement with the St. Paul Auto Dealers Association in Minnesota.
After five weeks of negotiations, the Local 737 Bargaining Committee unanimously recommended ratification of the new three-year agreement, which includes across the board two percent general wage increases each year, an increased employer contribution to the IAM National Pension Fund, an increased employer contribution to the Joint Health Care Trust, and an increase in the journeyperson light duty rate.
The proposal passed with a majority vote.
“There was give and take on both sides,” said IAM District 77 Assistant Directing Business Representative Rick Ryan. “But in the end, we believed this was a good agreement and unanimously recommended its ratification. I want to thank the entire Bargaining Committee, District 77 staff and most importantly the members of the bargaining unit.”
“Congratulations to IAM Local 737 members, IAM District 77 and the entire Bargaining Committee on a job well done,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Philip J. Gruber. “Our members stood strong and won improvements they can be proud of. We’re proud of the work they’ve done and their solidarity in improving the lives of their co-workers and families.”
