Nearly 800 striking workers at the Caterpillar Inc. plant in Joliet ratified a new contract Friday with the heavy equipment manufacturer after spending months on the picket line.
Caterpillar said in a statement that members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers voted to approve the new proposal. Company and union officials worked out the deal with a federal mediator earlier this week.
"We are pleased with the outcome of the vote and certainly happy to have our employees coming back to work," said Tim Flaherty, Caterpillar's general manager of advanced components systems operations. "We know situations like this are never easy and that it impacts not just employees, but their families. I think everyone involved is ready to get this behind us."
Caterpillar described the agreement as a "competitive wage and benefits package." Details were not released. Until Tuesday, there had been no progress in the negotiations since late June.
The union said in a Wednesday statement that the six-year deal contained improvements over previous offers though it didn't address every issue for every member.
However, not all members were satisfied with the deal.
"I wasted four months of my life," John Hunt told the Chicago Tribune.
Vickey Pogliano started crying outside the union hall where workers voted.
"I know a lot of people were hurting and they were needing money, but they didn't see the big picture," Pogliano told the Joliet Herald-News.
The plant makes components for trucks, tractors and other machines that Peoria-based Caterpillar manufactures.
Caterpillar, a Fortune 500 company, is the world's largest maker of construction and mining equipment and has factories worldwide. It's also Peoria's largest employer, with about 3,200 jobs in the downtown headquarters and nearby offices.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:55 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:55:19 GMT
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
Summer is here and running season is in full swing, but you might not have everything you need. David Zimmer of Fleet Feet Sports shared tips on how to buy the best pair of running shoes for your feet.
Summer is here and running season is in full swing, but you might not have everything you need. David Zimmer of Fleet Feet Sports shared tips on how to buy the best pair of running shoes for your feet.
Monday, June 17 2013 3:09 PM EDT2013-06-17 19:09:21 GMT
On the first day of deliberation, the jury hearing former Chicago alderman Ambrosio Medrano's trial found him guilty of bribery. He could face up to five years in prison.
On the first day of deliberation, the jury hearing former Chicago alderman Ambrosio Medrano's trial found him guilty of bribery. He could face up to five years in prison.
Monday, June 17 2013 2:44 PM EDT2013-06-17 18:44:33 GMT
A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
Amy Le started out behind the wheel at Duck-N-Roll. Now she's bringing some Asian-Latin spice to Chicago's financial district with her new restaurant Saucy Porka. Ever heard of a "baco?"
Amy Le started out behind the wheel at Duck-N-Roll. Now she's bringing some Asian-Latin spice to Chicago's financial district with her new restaurant Saucy Porka. Ever heard of a "baco?"
Monday, June 17 2013 12:48 PM EDT2013-06-17 16:48:35 GMT
Jewel-Osco was offering a $0.05 per gallon discount on fuel at Shell stations for every $50 in grocery purchases. But they have decided to cut the program.
Jewel-Osco was offering a $0.05 per gallon discount on fuel at Shell stations for every $50 in grocery purchases. But they have decided to cut the program.
Father's Day is only two days away. Do you have a present for your dad yet? David Viggiano, the gift and gadget guy, showcased some of the coolest new tech gadgets you can get – all under $100!
Father's Day is only two days away. Do you have a present for your dad yet? David Viggiano, the gift and gadget guy, showcased some of the coolest new tech gadgets you can get – all under $100!
Friday, June 14 2013 1:57 PM EDT2013-06-14 17:57:37 GMT
Democratic leaders in the Illinois Legislature said Friday that they would try again to pass a pension-reform plan backed by House Speaker Michael Madigan, rejecting Quinn's request for committee.
Democratic leaders in the Illinois Legislature said Friday that they would try again to pass a pension-reform plan backed by House Speaker Michael Madigan, rejecting Quinn's request for committee.
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