As the labor shortage continues, union workers are taking advantage and striving to receive better wages and benefits.
2,900 Volvo workers went on strike at the plant in Virginia the past spring, and the first offer from Volvo included pay raises, bonuses and cheaper healthcare.
The union was able to reject that, as well as a second offer, before agreeing to a third offer that included higher raises and lump-sum bonuses.
The deal gave workers a 12% pay increase and a six-year price freeze on health care premiums.
The changes equaled the playing field so every worker would be making at least $30.92 at the end of the six years.
As companies struggle to find new workers, they’re also struggling to keep the ones they have.
These workers are taking the opportunity to use their unions to leverage better wages and benefits, and in some cases create unions altogether.
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