Tensions increase in CNH strike

Union members at plants in Burlington, IA and Mount Pleasant and Racine, WI have said they’re on strike for an improved standard of living, retirement benefits and a better work environment

More than a thousand unionized employees on strike at CNH Industrial plants in Iowa and Wisconsin will lose company health care coverage as of Saturday, May 14.

The parent company of Case IH and New Holland tractor manufacturers notified the United Auto Workers Local 180 that it will be canceling health insurance to all its members this weekend, a tough negotiating tactic aimed at getting workers to end the strike, according to media reports.

Workers will reportedly transition from company to UAW health care plans after this week.

The threat came a day after UAW leadership told media it expected the strike - currently in its second week - to last three to six months.

Union members at plants in Burlington, IA and Mount Pleasant and Racine, WI have said they’re on strike for an improved standard of living, retirement benefits and a better work environment, reports said.

UAW Local 180 published the results of the April 10 vote to strike in a document on its Facebook page. According to that page, 98.4% of members voted in favor of striking, Industry Week reported. 

CNH officials have stated a wiliness to return to the bargaining table, however there has reportedly been no movement toward any resumption of talks since the strike got underway on May 2.

The strike echoes last year’s UAW strike of Deere & Co., which lasted over a month and ended with employees receiving 10% raises and improved benefits.