In a late-night agreement, about 4,000 workers represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW) reached a temporary deal with Mack Trucks, a subsidiary of the Volvo Group. The agreement, which still needs to be ratified by the UAW, promises increased wages and continued benefits for Mack employees. The announcement comes as the UAW is in its third week of a strike against General Motors (GM), Ford, and Stellantis. If Mack workers had also gone on strike, it would have put a strain on the UAW’s limited strike fund. These efforts by workers across various industries reflect a broader national trend of demanding better compensation amid high inflation and low unemployment.
Mack Trucks, founded in 1900 and one of the largest manufacturers of medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks, engines, and transmissions in North America, had previously stated that its bargaining teams had reached tentative agreements. However, discussions were still ongoing, particularly regarding economic issues. This is not uncommon in negotiations at this stage, and the company expects further progress in the coming days. Volvo purchased Mack in 2000. The UAW’s fight for improved wages and benefits has gained support from the majority of Americans, as reflected in a recent Reuters poll.
