PEORIA, Ill., Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Rank-and-file members of the United Auto Workers have approved a six-year contract with Illinois-based Caterpillar that includes a two-tier wage system.
The vote totals of the 9,000 hourly UAW workers in four states were not disclosed, the Peoria Journal Star said Monday.
The contract calls for employees to pay a portion of their healthcare costs for the first time.
Union members also traded bonuses and a two-tiered wage scale that will pay new hires less than veteran workers for six years of labor peace at the heavy equipment manufacturer and a $3,000 ratification bonus, due within 30 days.
"Today's ratification of a new six-year agreement is good news for our employees, business and communities," said Chris Glynn, Caterpillar's director of labor relations. "Through thoughtful and professional negotiations, we've established a solid foundation for our continued competitiveness, success and growth in these facilities."
