In what is believed to be the first large-scale strike of 2024, 1,500 UAW union members from Indianapolis Local 933 will quit Allison Transmission if the company continues to be low on workers in contract negotiations. Preparations are underway.
Allison Transmission, which makes commercial automatic transmissions and hybrid propulsion systems, has amassed more than $500 million in profits through the first three quarters of 2023. The company’s CEO, David Graziosi, has earned nearly $18 million in the past two years alone.The union contract expired on November 14th.thAnd on December 1stcentworkers firmly rejected the interim agreement by 96% as the company refused to address their core demands.
In a new video, Allison Transmission employees explain what they are fighting for and their reluctance to reach an agreement that honors the sacrifices and values made by UAW members at Allison. against management.
“We gave up a lot during the recession, and the sacrifices we made during that time were never rewarded,” Patti Evans said. “There’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to keep up with things like inflation going forward, just like you did when you lost your living wage.”
“I have some medical issues,” Martha Brummett said, explaining how her demanding work schedule at Allison has led to an increase in on-the-job injuries. “Your body takes a lot of wear and tear. On your wrists, on your back. Your legs are tired all the time. It takes a toll on you.”
“I work seven days a week. The hours range from nine to 10 hours,” Lisa Perry said. “I’ve gotten used to working long hours so that I can afford it and take care of my bills.”
“I’d like to see things go back to the way they were, with better benefits and better pay,” said Donald Reed, a retiree from Allison. “We have workers who are working far more hours than we are working, for far less pay. It should be better now than it was when I worked there. It’s not. . I’m sorry.”
The negotiations come at a turning point in the U.S. labor movement, as hundreds of thousands of workers won record collective bargaining agreements last year and public support for unions remains near an all-time high. There is.