'United in solidarity': UAW Local 180 and 807 members reject CNHI final offer, extend strike

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- After eight months of striking to demand better pay, safety and healthcare, hundreds of union workers in Racine, WI and Burlington, IA, have voted to reject a "last, best, and final" offer from CNH Industrial.

Over 1,000 members from UAW Local 180 and 807 voted Saturday, Jan. 7, with 55% turning the proposal down and 45% approving it. 

A CNH Industrial statement provided to CBS 58 last month reads: 

“We are disappointed that despite our best efforts we have been unable to reach a tentative agreement for our employees. Our last, best and final offer for our Racine, Wisconsin and Burlington, Iowa plants included significant wage increases, the addition of three new and different health care plans to choose from and many other enhanced benefits. Since April and throughout the UAW-initiated strike, we have been negotiating in good faith to reach an agreement that is fair and reasonable to our employees, our company and our customers."

But workers said Saturday's decision shows that the latest offer is still not enough.

“When they see us united in solidarity, I think that sends a really strong message to the company," said UAW Local 180 President Yasin Mahdi. “I would like to say that this could’ve been resolved a long time ago if they would just give us wages and compensation like they’re giving the nonrepresentative facilities.”

#BREAKING: After a vote today, members of UAW Local 180 and 807 have REJECTED a “last, best, and final” offer from @CNHIndustrial which included better pay and new healthcare plans. This marks the latest step in an 8+ month strike that began last spring. Updates on @CBS58 at 9 pic.twitter.com/GariuZ0ukj

— Ellie Nakamoto-White (@ellienw_news) January 8, 2023

Mahdi said they plan to continue their strike for "however long it takes" to receive a fair contract.

"I’d like to thank all of my members that have held the line this time because without them holding the line, we don’t have the power that we have," Mahdi said. “I hope that the world is watching this, and I hope that at the end of the day that wherever you work, whether you are hourly or salaried, if you don’t like the working conditions, I hope that people see what’s going on here and that inspires them to get organized.”

A statement from UAW Local 180 said the "UAW bargaining committee will meet to discuss next steps to take with CNHI."