New York, CNN — The United Auto Workers (UAW) union announced that nearly 4,000 members are on strike at heavy truck manufacturer Mack Trucks after voting down a tentative agreement reached a week ago. The union reported that 73% of its workers voted against the proposed deal, which included an immediate 10% pay raise and additional pay increases over the five-year life of the contract, a $3,500 signing bonus, improved vacation and holidays, and no increase in insurance premiums paid by members.
UAW President Shawn Fain expressed support for the striking workers, stating, “I’m inspired to see UAW members at Mack holding out for a better deal, and ready to stand up and walk off the job to win it.” However, Stephen Roy, president of Mack Trucks, expressed surprise and disappointment at the union’s decision to strike, noting that a tentative agreement had already been endorsed by both the International UAW and the UAW Mack Truck Council.
Mack Trucks, a major US manufacturer of heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks, is owned by Sweden’s Volvo Group. The strike at Mack Trucks comes as the UAW continues to wage strikes against three major car manufacturers — General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis. The union’s bargaining goals at Mack Trucks mirror many of its demands in talks with these car manufacturers, including improved wages, healthcare, and pension benefits.
This year has seen a significant increase in strikes across various industries. According to data from the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations, there have been 56 strikes with 100 or more strikers lasting a week or more in the first nine months of this year, a 65% increase compared to the same period last year. The number of strikes reflects union efforts to leverage a strong US labor market to demand better pay, benefits, and working conditions for their members.