January 17, 2024 saw 1,500 workers from United Auto Worker Local 933 at the Allison Transmission plant in Indianapolis ratify a new contract as over 80% of the membership accepted the agreement. The previous contract had expired on November 14, 2023, and workers were on the verge of a walk-out amid low-ball offers from the company. Many workers stated they were forced to work work 9, 10, plus hour shifts a day. The new contract included an end to wage tiers by the end of the contract, an increase to health and retirement benefits, and cost of living adjustment (COLA).
Previously, Allison Transmission had presented a new contract that was voted down by 96% of the membership. CEO David Graziosi has made over $18 million over the previous two years and many workers could see that the company was not coming to the table in good faith. A strike authorization had been approved by the membership in October and the beginning of January saw the threat looming as Allison Transmission continued to dismiss contract demands.
Workers at Allison Transmission make transmissions for many different types of vehicles both personal and commercial including trucks, city and school buses, distribution vehicles, construction equipment, waste management, fire & emergency, as well as making 80% of the transmissions for the US military. Altogether, their products are used by over 250 commercial vehicle manufacturers. The plant in Indianapolis is the only location in the United States, making it a crucial site for many industries in the US.
The ratified contract comes just two months after the UAW had reached tentative agreements with the Big Three auto manufacturers Ford, GM, and Stellantis and as the UAW works to unionize several non-union auto plants.