Daimler Trucks North America announced new three-year collective bargaining agreements for three of its U.S. manufacturing plants.


The contracts, which are effective today, cover employees in the company's Mt. Holly and Cleveland Truck Manufacturing Plants, and Gastonia Components and Logistics Plant. Plant workers in all three facilities are represented by the United Auto Workers.

Tentative collective bargaining agreements for all three locations were reached on April 10, following five and a half weeks of negotiations. The three tentative agreements were ratified by Local Bargaining Unit membership in separate meetings on April 17 and 18. Previous contracts were originally set to expire April 9 but were extended through April 18 pending the formal ratification of the new agreements by the union membership.

In response to continuing economic and industry challenges, the new contracts for the Mt. Holly and Cleveland facilities include baseline production commitments which will provide job stability and security for plant employees. Employment levels will increase significantly at both facilities, although specific ramp-up plans remain under development. Both plants will continue operating with one shift.

Agreements for each of the three facilities also include numerous negotiated provisions that will enhance scheduling flexibility, improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.

"We view these agreements as a significant milestone in securing our U.S. production footprint," said Martin Daum, president and chief executive officer of Daimler Trucks North America. "The new agreements required compromise and sacrifice on both sides but will help position us to compete successfully on a global level in years to come."

The Mt. Holly Truck Manufacturing Plant is located in Mt. Holly, North Carolina, and manufactures medium-duty Freightliner trucks. The Mt. Holly plant currently employs 140. The Cleveland Truck Manufacturing Plant is located in Cleveland, North Carolina, and manufactures Freightliner brand heavy-duty trucks. The Cleveland plant currently employs approximately 830. The Gastonia Components and Logistics Plant is located in Gastonia, North Carolina, and manufactures truck parts and components for use in DTNA manufacturing plants. The Gastonia Plant currently employs approximately 670.