Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

UAW Workers on Strike at Volvo Trucks North America Plant

United Auto Workers members are again on strike at Volvo Trucks North America’s New River Valley truck-assembly plant after workers for the second time rejected a tentative deal.

June 7, 2021
UAW Workers on Strike at Volvo Trucks North America Plant

The second strike in two months comes as Volvo is starting production of its VNR Electric.

Photo: Volvo Trucks North America

3 min to read


United Auto Workers members are again on strike at Volvo Trucks North America’s New River Valley truck-assembly plant in Dublin, Virginia, after workers for the second time rejected a tentative deal.

VTNA employees represented by the United Auto Workers on June 6 rejected a new six-year labor agreement. A strike was scheduled to begin at noon on June 7. The NRV plant employs more than 3,300 people, about 2,900 of whom are UAW members.

Ad Loading...

It’s the second strike this year as the two sides struggle to come to terms.

The previous five-year contract expired in mid-March, and production stopped April 17 after a 30-day extension expired without an agreement. It was the first such strike for Volvo since 2008.

A tentative agreement was reached April 30 and production resumed May 3, but that agreement was soundly rejected by the rank and file on May 16.

Ad Loading...

The two sides quickly came to a second tentative agreement on May 20, this time a six-year agreement. It had changes such as an increased retiree lump sum, reducing the eight-year wage progression to a six-year program, a new attendance policy allowing workers to leave early with permission, lower insurance premiums and a reduction in the out-of-pocket maximum on health insurance, requirement that employees must be notified if they will have to work daily overtime no later than the midpoint of the shift, and other changes.

However, members overwhelmingly rejected the new tentative agreement, with 90% voting no, and even more voting against the salary language than did against the terms of the first agreement. On social media, many workers complained it was not substantively better than the first version.

In its Monday, June 7, letter to VTNA advising workers would go on strike at noon, Ray Curry of the UAW Heavy Truck Department, said “many topics remain at issue, including wage increases, job security, wage progression, skilled trades, shift premium, holiday schedules, work schedules, health and safety, seniority, pension, 401(k), healthcare and prescription drug coverage, and overtime.”

The letter said the union is available to reconvene negotiations starting Wednesday, June 9.

“It is difficult to understand this action,” said NRV Vice President and General Manager Franky Marchand in a statement. “UAW international, regional, and local leadership endorsed the tentative agreement, which provided significant economic improvements for all UAW-represented workers, and a package of benefits that is very competitive for our industry and region. We remain committed to the collective bargaining process, and we are confident that we will ultimately arrive at a mutually beneficial agreement.”

Ad Loading...

The strike comes at a time when heavy-duty truck makers are already struggling to keep pace with high demand and deal with a global shortage of microchips. It also comes as Volvo ramps up production on its new heavy-duty electric truck.

More Equipment

photo of a military truck with "Great American Trucks" wording on top of red-white-and-blue background.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsJune 16, 2026

Great American Trucks: The International MaxxPro MRAP

Built from an International WorkStar chassis and powered by a MaxxForce diesel, the MaxxPro MRAP became one of the most important military trucks of the Iraq War era.

Read More →
2026 Mack Granite interior.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 11, 2026

New Mack Granite Cab Puts Driver Comfort Front and Center

Mack’s next-generation vocational truck features a roomier cab, premium seating, advanced steering technology, and a driver-focused interior designed with direct input from professional operators.

Read More →
Mack Trucks Pioneer Nascar Salutes truck.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 11, 2026

Mack Unveils Fan-Selected Patriotic NASCAR Pioneer Wraps

Racing fans picked the patriotic design now featured on three Mack Pioneer trucks hauling NASCAR equipment across the country during the 2026 season.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Michelin X Line Grip D tires.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 9, 2026

Michelin Expands X Line Grip D Tire Line

Michelin is expanding its X Line Grip D drive tire lineup with a new pre-mold retread and additional sizes, building on what the company says is strong fleet adoption of the tire's traction, mileage, and fuel-efficiency benefits.

Read More →
Illustration of SCR/DEF system on heavy-duty truck
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 4, 2026

Engine Technology Forum Launches SCR, DEF Resource Center Amid Emissions Debate

The Engine Technology Forum’s new online hub aims to provide fleets, policymakers, and equipment owners with fact-based information about selective catalytic reduction technology, diesel exhaust fluid and emissions compliance.

Read More →
Artist rendering of dealership with trucks and trailers parked outside
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 2, 2026

Prime Inc. to Open $7.9M Flagship Used-Truck Dealership

A new driver-focused facility to sell Prime Inc's used trucks and trailers will be the first purpose-built location in the company's history.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Red Kenworth truck pulling Paper Transport trailer
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeJune 2, 2026

Lessons Learned About Alternative Fuels: Start Small, Stay Flexible

Practical advice on adopting alternative fuels and ZEVs from HDT's 2026 Top Green Fleets, from renewable diesel and natural gas to electric trucks.

Read More →
Kenworth T680.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseMay 27, 2026

Kenworth Names Peter Ahrens General Manager

Leadership changes at Kenworth take effect July 1 as the OEM promotes two longtime Paccar executives to key management roles.

Read More →
White Hino Le electric tractor on show floor
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseMay 26, 2026

Hino Adds Electric Class 6/7 Truck

Hino says the Le Series is an important step in the company's efforts to reduce environmental impact and support its customers’ sustainability goals.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Big standing "ACTExpo" sign in convention center lobby
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeMay 26, 2026

ACT Expo 2026: Highlights in Photos

The 2026 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo featured a broad range of commercial vehicle technologies, from EVs to autonomous trucks to the latest diesel and alternative-fuel engines.

Read More →