This article is 11 years old. Images might not display.
The union has released no further details on what its 800 members at the dragline and shovel plant had signed up for.
The plant came to Caterpillar as part of its takeover of Bucyrus.
Negotiations over the contract have been protracted.
The union and the company almost came to an agreement on April 30, but the union ended up walking away from it.
USW District 2 director Michael Bolton said the local union negotiating committee and members had shown solidary during contract negotiations, especially after they rejected Caterpillar’s previous contract proposal on April 30.
That contract would have resulted in frozen wages at $18-$34 an hour and increased health care contributions. Senior union employees also would have had fewer protections.
Local 1343 president Kevin Jaskie said the members were keen to get back to work.
“We’re proud of the work we do for the world’s largest manufacturer of mining equipment,” he said.
“With negotiations behind us our union can remain focused on building a secure, stable future for our plant, our families and our community.”
