United Auto Workers Members at Mack Trucks Go on Strike, Rejecting Tentative Agreement

Nearly 3,900 members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) at Mack Trucks have initiated a strike after rejecting a tentative agreement reached between the union and the company. The UAW announced that workers at Mack Trucks facilities in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Florida will commence the strike on Monday at 7 a.m. This strike adds to the ongoing strikes by tens of thousands of UAW members, including those at General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis.

The rejection of the tentative agreement by 73% of the UAW members who voted highlights the high expectations set by UAW President Shawn Fain for record contracts, including hourly pay increases, equal pay for equal work, inflation protection, and shorter work weeks. The deal with Mack Trucks fell significantly short of these demands, leading many workers to express their dissatisfaction and vote against it.

While Mack Trucks operates separately from the Detroit automakers, some workers expected similar increases and benefits. The tentative agreement offered a roughly 19% wage increase over a five-year period, including a 10% increase upon ratification, $3,500 ratification bonuses, increased 401(k) company payments, and other benefits. However, it did not meet the demands for the elimination of wage tiers, reinstatement of traditional pensions, cost-of-living adjustments, or shorter work weeks.

UAW negotiators with the Detroit automakers have demanded a 40% pay increase, cost-of-living allowances, improved work/life balance, and additional bonuses and benefits. Fain acknowledged that outstanding issues, including COLA, job security, wage progression, and others, remain unresolved in negotiations with Mack Trucks.

UAW President Fain stated that the union respects the decision of its members and remains committed to exploring all options for reaching an agreement. Mack Trucks President Stephen Roy expressed surprise and disappointment at the strike, emphasizing the company’s commitment to the collective bargaining process and its belief in reaching an agreement that benefits employees while ensuring the company’s competitiveness and stability.

Negotiations are expected to resume as soon as possible to find a resolution that satisfies both parties.