UAW approves six-year deal with Navistar

Members of the United Auto Workers confirmed today that the union approved a new, six-year deal with Navistar that includes the local unit in Springfield.

The deal will provide labor peace moving forward as Navistar continues its long effort to rebound financially and regain market share several years after the company struggled with engine technology for heavy-duty trucks that failed to meet emissions standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

UAW officials said highlights of the deal include the elimination of all tiered waged, pension plan improvements and profit sharing for workers. The deal also includes language to keep the contract intact in case the company is sold or merged.

The agreement covers Navistar Local 6 and 2293 in Melrose Park; Local 472 in Atlanta; Local 119 in Dallas; Local 1872 in York, Pa. and Local 402 and 658 in Springfield. Officials from the UAW Local 402, which represents the majority of the plant’s workers in Springfield could not be reached for comment Monday.

“Navistar members negotiated a solid agreement under tough circumstances with clear gains,” said UAW President Gary Jones in a news release. “We’re proud of the work they’ve done and the well-deserved contract they received.”

The company has invested millions in new equipment in Springfield over the past several years to revamp the interior of the facility and streamline its manufacturing processes.

Navistar had as few as 300 workers in Springfield as recently as 2010, but those numbers spiked as the truck maker restructured and shuttered other facilities to cut costs and become more efficient. Local UAW officials recently estimated there are now close to 2,000 workers at the Springfield plant.

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