Volvo Trucks, UAW reach labor deal but strike continues
Summary
The new six year proposal marks the third time the two sides have reached a potential agreement, but unlike the two previous deals – both of which were shot down by UAW Local 2069 membership in a landslide – union workers at Volvos truck assembly facility will remain on the picket line until a ratification vote July 9. UAW Local 2069 workers went on strike Saturday, April 17, following the lapse of a 30-day extension to a five-year contract that expired March 15. The union strike ended April 30 after a two-week work stoppage when the parties reached a tentative agreement on a new five-year deal. The plant is in the midst of a $400 million investment for advanced technology upgrades, site expansion and preparation for future products, including the innovative Volvo VNR Electric truck. The plant has added 1,100 jobs since the last union agreement was implemented in 2016, and is on track to have a net increase of approximately 600 positions this year.