UPDATED 4:27 P.M.
PEORIA, Ill. – The union representing Caterpillar workers in the Peoria area says they don’t want to have to strike, but they want to be ready to do so anyway.
United Auto Workers Local 974 is sending letters this week to union members indicating contract talks will start soon, ahead of the current deal expiring in the Spring.
25 News says the letter indicates a strike authorization vote is scheduled for January 27th, if the company and negotiators don’t reach a tentative agreement.
It says, however that a strike authorization doesn’t mean an automatic trip to the picket lines.
“Voting to authorize a strike is a routine and future-looking procedure often conducted by unions at the outset of contract negotiations,” said Lisa Miller, spokesperson, Caterpillar, to WMBD News. “It does not mean there will be a strike. The outcome does not alter our ongoing commitment to reach a fair, comprehensive agreement for our employees that allows our facilities to compete and succeed long-term.”
The union recently successfully negotiated raises and ratification bonuses with Moline-based John Deere.
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