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Recently-organized IAM Local 10 members at U.S. Smokeless Tobacco in Richmond, Va., have unanimously ratified a first time agreement – a new four-year deal and a long-term agreement that secures wage improvements, enhanced benefits and workplace protections through 2036.
The agreement establishes a contract running through July 2030, along with a long-term agreement extending through June 2036, providing members with long-term stability and certainty.
As part of the ratified deal, members will receive ratification bonuses that are also eligible for their healthcare spending account.
“IAM members at U.S. Smokeless Tobacco showed the power of collective bargaining in action,” said IAM Local 10 Business Representative Charles Mann. “This agreement strengthens protections on the job, improves quality of life for working families, and ensures our members continue sharing in the success they help create.Local 10 has a deep history in representing traditional tobacco contracts, and this new agreement is an evolution in securing that legacy ”
The agreement also includes significant wage and compensation improvements. Instrument Electrician rates at USST will now mirror those of Instrument Electricians at Philip Morris USA. Members will also receive escalating long-term agreement bonuses beginning at $2,400 annually from 2026 through 2028 and increasing to $3,300 annually during the final years of the agreement.
Additional gains include increased shift differentials beginning in 2027, improvements to temporary disability income benefits, expanded bereavement leave for grandchildren, and new company-paid family bonding leave for birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
“This agreement delivers real gains for IAM members and their families, including stronger wages, improved benefits, and long-term job security,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “Our members stood united throughout this process, and that solidarity helped secure a contract that recognizes the value of their hard work every day.”
The contract also introduces new loss of pregnancy leave benefits, expanded vacation provisions, and an annual shoe allowance for members. IAM holidays will now align with the company’s observed salaried holidays.
“Ratifying this new agreement means a lot to me both personally and professionally as a new IAM member,” said IAM Local 10 member Doug Jackson. “It gives me confidence in my future and shows that hard work is valued and protected. Professionally, it makes me excited to grow my career knowing there is a strong contract in place that supports fair pay, job security, and opportunities moving forward. Personally, it gives me peace of mind knowing my family and I have a more stable future ahead.”
The new members also praised the agreement for delivering meaningful economic gains while strengthening quality of life benefits and long-term job security for the new IAM members and their families. The new members provide electrical support for the creation of “on! and on! PLUS” tobacco-leaf-free nicotine pouches, and will be members of IAM Local 10.
