- Mack Trucks and UAW workers reached a tentative agreement early Monday
- A statement from Mack said the parties reached a tentative deal on the terms of a new five-year agreement
- Workers voted to authorize a strike in September. Their contract expired Oct. 1
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Thousands of workers represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW) reached a tentative agreement with Volvo-group owned Mack Trucks, the union and the company reported early Monday.
In a statement to workers posted late Sunday, a negotiations update from Local 677 said, “We have a tentative agreement. Please report to work as normal tomorrow.”
In an update on its website, Mack’s statement said the parties reached a tentative agreement on the terms of a new five-year agreement.
"The tentative agreement would deliver significantly increased wages and continue first-class benefits for Mack employees and their families. At the same time, it would allow the company to successfully compete in the market; invest in our people, plants and products; and be a sustainable employer,” the statement said.
The agreement must now be ratified by UAW members.
Local 677 workers were prepared to strike for the second time in four years until an agreement was reached.
The union contract between management at the Mack plant in Lower Macungie Township and Local 667 expired Oct. 1.
'On complete opposite sides'
The UAW represents 2,300 of the 2,700 employees at the local Mack plan, along with workers in Maryland and Florida.
In a local union vote in mid-September, 98% of member ballots authorized a strike at that time if no progress was made in negotiations that have been going on since July 11.
A letter dated Aug. 25 posted on the UAW Local 677 website said Mack management and the union negotiating team were “on complete opposite sides of what we wanted.”
Even late last week, theyreportedly remained far apart on the economics of a possible deal.
News of the tentative agreement with Mack came as the UAW continues to strike against Ford, General Motors and Chrysler parent Stellantis.
Strikes at the three Detroit auto makers entered a third full week Monday.
