Strike shuts production at Volvo’s New River Valley plant
Workers at Volvo Trucks’ New River Valley plant in Dublin, Va., have gone on strike.
“The UAW is disappointed that Volvo Truck has failed to present a substantial offer by the March 16 contract deadline despite a contract extension. Our goal remains to achieve a fair tentative agreement for our members, their families and the community of Dublin, Virginia,” said UAW secretary-treasurer Ray Curry, director of the UAW heavy truck department.
The strike affects more than 2,900 members.
“Every day our UAW members leave their homes proud of the work they do at Volvo making some of the finest trucks in the world. Our members and their families made this sacrifice in order to get a fair contract offer that protects their wages, benefits and health and safety,” said Mitchell Smith, director of UAW Region 8.
Volvo issued a statement, indicating it was disappointed in the strike action.
“We are surprised and disappointed that the UAW decided to strike,” said NRV vice-president and general manager Franky Marchand.
“Progress was being made, and we had offered substantial increases in our employees’ compensation. We don’t understand why the UAW won’t allow our employees to continue building trucks while we continue negotiations. We are committed to the collective bargaining process, and look forward to getting back to the table. We are confident that we will be able to arrive at an agreement that provides a competitive wage and benefit package for our employees and families, and helps to ensure the plant’s competitiveness, long-term growth and sustainability.”
Volvo points out it’s the only heavy-duty truck manufacturer that assembles all its trucks and engines for the North American market in the U.S. It’s in the midst of a US$400-million plant upgrade.
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The company has done a good job over the years of dividing the employees into four or more tiers of pay. Now the younger folks seem to have the majority at five to seven dollars less an hour to do the same job than the older hands. Not too mention it’s probably a huge difference in insurance benefits between the groups. Now its come to time for someone to draw a line in the sand and make a stand. Hopefully it’s all worth it for both sides.
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Trucks are overpriced, and I’m sure Volvo profit margin is very thin making them in the USA compared to Freightliner and others made in Mexico.
The unions push everything to be made in China, Mexico, etc.
This strike affects a lot of people not associated with we do semi parts at Canton we slowed down where we are not supporting our family is the strike going to end soon
Please include picture of windmill. That size is more reasonable for Virginia counties to purchase for their business areas.
Especially counties with 20,000 residents.
Lower size equals reasonable costs for renewable energy.
Shame this picture cut out your Volvo windmill. My Aunt lives nearby you. I have seen it multiple times but did not take picture back in 2000 or 2005. I have not seen it since.
Funny how the workers complain about not being safe at work, but all the pictures of them on strike, none of them is wearing mask or social distancing. Not to mention they are the best paid, best benefited workers in this area for 100s of miles. People come from all over to work there. This strike just causes the other factories around to that makes parts for Volvo to be laid off and suffer because these babies want to complain about “unfair labor ” garbage. Most people around here would love to make the money and have the work environment these people do. Put on your big boy panties and get back to work!!!