Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Blog

Senator Baldwin sends letter to Oshkosh Defense Corp. Questioning Decision to Build Next Generation USPS Trucks in South Carolina Instead of Wisconsin

Touting the long and proud history of successfully manufacturing high-quality trucks with a skilled union workforce represented by UAW Local 578 members in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Senator Gary C. Peters (D-MI) have asked for additional information on the production location decision process undertaking by USPS and Oshkosh Defense.

Expressing concerns about the decision to build the new USPS delivery vehicles in South Carolina, the Senators urge Oshkosh Corporation to “further scrutinize the final production location based on the strength of Oshkosh’s existing workforce.”

In a letter to John Pfeifer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Oshkosh Corporation, and John Bryant, Vice President and President, Oshkosh Defense, Baldwin and U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) write:

“Oshkosh Defense has a long and proud history of manufacturing military vehicles in Wisconsin with skilled union labor. However, we are concerned about your recent decision to manufacture the trucks in a newly acquired facility, with new hires, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. We urge you to further scrutinize the final production location based on the strength of Oshkosh’s existing workforce. Oshkosh has a longstanding and skilled workforce in Wisconsin, with robust experience in manufacturing trucks for government service. As such, we are writing to better understand the process that led to the award of the contract and the decision to produce the NGDV at a new facility in South Carolina.”

The full letter can be viewed online at Senator Baldwin’s website.

The letter closes,

“As Oshkosh Defense responds to these requests and continues to prepare for production of the NGDV, we expect Oshkosh to focus on providing good-paying jobs, and respect collective bargaining, to support communities and work toward a sustainable future.”

Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale commented on the letter, “building union is building better. UAW workers in Oshkosh have a long and successful track record of producing high-quality vehicles for the US government. Workers in Oshkosh are covered by a collective bargaining agreement that provides for fair wages, family-sustaining benefits and the growth of our middle class. Thank you to Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin and Senator Gary Peters of Michigan for supporting the efforts to maintain high-quality union jobs in Oshkosh. We can and should be building the trucks for the United States Postal Service at the Wisconsin headquarters of Oshkosh Corporation where there is a highly skilled union workforce ready and able to build the new USPS fleet.”

House Passes Build Back Better Act Marking Historic Day for Working Families in America

Statement from Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale on the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the Build Back Better Act:

“The Build Back Better Act will level the playing field for working families for generations to come. It is the largest-ever investment in clean energy, with domestic content and high labor standards across the board. This legislation will empower workers organizing together in union by holding union-busting employers accountable with real financial penalties.

The Build Back Better Act will set America on a course of supporting working families with good jobs, clean energy, high-quality childcare, eldercare, and healthcare, lower prescription costs, affordable housing, expanded educational opportunities and more. This momentous legislation will bring the American Dream and a spot in the American middle class within reach for millions more of American families.

Our elected leaders must continue to deliver for working families. The U.S. Senate should act quickly to send the Build Back Better Act to President Biden’s desk so we can continue to advance the lives of working Americans with strategic investment, strong labor protections, and needed support.”

Tell the Legislature to Uphold Gov. Evers' Veto of Rigged Maps

Governor Evers wasted no time in fulfilling his promise to veto gerrymandered maps put forth by Wisconsin Republicans today.

Rigging our political system with unjust, immoral and antidemocratic maps cannot continue to stand in Wisconsin. We thank Governor Tony Evers for using his veto pen to stand up for democracy, fight for fair maps, and protect the voices of voters in our electoral system.

Our American values of democracy tell us voters deserve an electoral process where voters pick their representatives rather than politicians picking their voters. Voters deserve the freedom to hold politicians accountable for their actions which cannot be done with the extreme partisan gerrymandering put forth by Wisconsin Republicans.

Now, it's time for the legislature to uphold Governor Evers' veto. Take action with the Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition. Contact your legislators today. Tell them to uphold the veto of unfair electoral maps.

Wisconsin voters deserve the freedom of fair representation with nonpartisan redistricting.

Faith in our democracy depends on it.

Contact your legislators and tell them to upload Governor Evers' veto.

 

UAW Members at John Deere approve landmark contract, end historic strike

United Auto Worker members at John Deere facilities in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas have ratified a new 6-year collective bargaining agreement, ending their strike which began on October 14.

By a vote of 61% to 39%, UAW John Deere members ratified the agreement which includes an $8,500 signing bonus; 20% increase in wages over the lifetime of the contract with 10% this year; return of Cost of Living adjustments; three 3% lump sum payments; enhanced options for retirement and enhanced CIPP performance benefits.

UAW members stood together to attain a better standard of living and a more secure retirement. The contract sets a new standard for workers not only within the UAW but throughout the country. Through sacrifice and solidarity working people continue to fight for fairness and equity at work and advance our country for us all.

“UAW John Deere members did not just unite themselves, they seemed to unite the nation in a struggle for fairness in the workplace,” said UAW President Ray Curry. “We could not be more proud of these UAW members and their families.”

“There is power in a union,” said Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale. “Congratulations to all the UAW members at John Deere and all their families who sacrificed and held the line to make this achievement possible. The UAW John Deere strike captured the nation’s attention and will inspire other workers across our country to stand up and stand together for fairness, dignity, and respect at work. The tide is turning for workers and the labor movement is leading the charge for fair wages, meaningful benefits, and a better workplace for all.”

Locally UAW Region 4 Director Ron McInroy thanked the communities and families of John Deere UAW members for their support and thanked the members for their solidarity. “Our members stood together and did not waiver,” said McInroy. “Members and their families put a lot on the line for these gains and the community support was overwhelming. I’d like to thank the John Deere members, their families, their leaders and our bargaining team for standing firm and achieving these important gains.”

As UAW John Deere workers return to work, thousands of working people are striking, holding the line for fair contracts and a strong middle class. View the AFL-CIO strike map to see where workers are on strike across the country.