United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 2069 members on Wednesday ratified a new six-year labor agreement, ending a strike at Volvo Trucks North America's New River Valley (NRV) plant in Dublin, Virginia, that had turned the corner toward six weeks.
Local 2069 members last week rejected a third proposed labor agreement. That deal, which was okayed by UAW leadership, was shot down with 60% 'no' votes locally, but put back before the membership Wednesday as Volvo's "last, best and final" offer.
"Our focus now will be on getting trucks to customers as quickly as we can, and strengthening our relationship with our employees.” NRV Vice President and General Manager Franky Marchand
Local members Wednesday ratified the common overall agreement and hourly agreement by a margin of 17 votes each. Both failed last week 60% to 40%. Salary language failed Wednesday by 14 votes. UAW members will return to work on their Sunday and Monday shifts, but have the option to return as soon as 6 a.m. Thursday, July 15.
“The democratic process played out at Volvo Trucks. UAW Members stood together through their strike and now the overall agreement and hourly agreement have been ratified despite the company's actions earlier in the week,” said Ray Curry, President of the UAW and Director of the Heavy Truck Department, adding the UAW Constitution provides for an established process that will work to address the concerns raised by members over the salary agreement.
Volvo on Sunday said it would begin this week ramping up new truck production, and would honor the terms of its third offer to any UAW members who returned to work, even though the UAW strike was formally ongoing.
Volvo Senior Vice President of Communications John Mies said Wednesday afternoon that some workers had returned, but declined to comment on how many. Brian Rothenberg, UAW International director of public relations, noted "it was less than a handful."
