Machinists back to work at Laura Buick GMC with five-year contract

Collinsville – The 52 members of Machinists Lodge 313 are back to work after negotiating a five-year contract with Laura Buick GMC that includes substantial wage increases in each year.

Negotiations that began on Dec. 20 resulted in substantial movement from the company, and the Machinists and their four supporting Teamsters members were back to work on Dec. 23 under the new contract. They began their strike last Oct. 26.

The agreement also provides for fully funded health care. A group called Specialists will now work on a flat rate plan that gives them the potential to earn more than 40 hours worth of pay, Machinists District 9 Business Rep Roy Collins told the Labor Tribune.

It covers about 15 members who primarily modify new trucks, install lift kits, wheels, tires and work on used cars.

GREAT SUPPORT
The Lodge 313 picket along Illinois 157 attracted a lot of attention and support from the Labor Movement, with members of many other locals and unions showing up in support and bringing food and money to help the strikers.

UAW Local 2250, fresh off their own strike against General Motors, passed a hat and raised $2,253 for the Machinists, and American Income Life provided turkeys for Thanksgiving.

On Nov. 29, some 150 workers and supporters spread out along the roadway for a rainy-day rally.

The Machinists also thanked Sheet Metal Workers Local 36, Teamsters Locals 600, 688 and 50 and the Granite City Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) chapter for their incredible support.