HIGH POINT, N.C. — A large group of workers avoided a strike after a deal was reached with Thomas Built Buses in High Point on Friday April 26.
It comes days after the union warned it would go on strike.
The deal included 25% raises over 3 years of profit sharing as well as the cost-of-living adjustment and 16% in the first year of the contract.
Last week, they held pickets, threatening to go on strike. Workers said they want better pay and benefits.
Thomas Built Buses is a longtime bus manufacturer based in High Point.
The local UAW President, Chris Pratt, said there are about 1,700 employees overall, 1,500 of whom are union workers.
Pratt explained the type of work that is done at Thomas Built Buses.
"I'm a welder by trade. You go in there, and you have to leather up; it's hot. If it's 100 degrees outside, it's 110 inside, and you have to grind it out. If you want to keep that job, you have to grind it out. So, you've got the assembly line you're working with your hands, running screws installing seats, using impacts; it's not an easy job; it's a lot of wear and tear on your body."
Union members demanded no concessions, record wage increases, and upgrades to working environments.
Daimler has since provided the following statement since its decision:
Daimler Truck North America and the United Auto Workers (UAW) have tentatively agreed to new collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) covering approximately 7,400 employees at our manufacturing and component facilities in High Point, NC (Thomas Built Buses), Mount Holly Truck Manufacturing Plant, Cleveland Truck Manufacturing Plant, Gastonia Parts Plant, Atlanta Parts Distribution Center, and Memphis Parts Distribution Center. The UAW members at these locations will now be asked to vote on the new contracts, and we hope to finalize them soon for the mutual benefit of all parties.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
MORE WAYS TO GET WFMY NEWS 2
Subscribe to our daily newsletter, Let’s Get 2 It!
Download the WFMY News 2 APP from your Apple or Google Play store.
ADD THE WFMY+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or search for WFMY.
Amazon Fire TV: Search for WFMY to find the free app to add to your account. You can also add the app directly to your Fire TV through your Amazon account.