Workers at Volvo-owned Mack Trucks went on strike Monday after union members rejected a tentative contract with the company.
The pact, which included a 19% pay raise, was turned down by 73% of voting members. The deal also included improvements to retirement benefits and additional holidays.
Workers felt that the pay increases were not enough to keep up with inflation. Members also expressed disappointment in the United Auto Workers, which negotiated the contract. Some pointed out that the 19% raise offered in the Mack contract is less than half of what the UAW is demanding of the big three automakers.
Despite the union rejecting the deal, UAW President Shawn Fain supported the striking workers.
“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,” he said Sunday.
The union said it’s ready to return to the bargaining table with Mack.
The UAW strike has entered its fourth week, with few signs of progress. Last week, Mr. Fain did not announce any expansion of the strike but said that offers from the companies are far from what the union wants.
The union has consistently demanded a 40% pay raise, changes to retirement benefits, the elimination of employee tiers, strike protections and a four-day workweek.
The three automakers, General Motors, Ford and Jeep manufacturer Stellantis, have not delivered on many of the big ticket demands. However, offers include pay raises over 20% and significant improvements to benefits.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.
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