By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – United Auto Workers members have overwhelmingly approved a new labor agreement at Mitsubishi Motors as the plant prepares for closure.
President Rod DeVary has confirmed the ratification vote, done over a 24-period at the UAW hall in Bloomington, was approved by a 697-to-103 margin.
Mitsubishi struck a tentative deal with union leadership last week after about two months of talks. The talks began after Mitsubishi announced it will halt production at the plant in Normal at the end of November.
DeVary told WJBC’s Terry James having a new deal means workers can now focus on their futures.
“This is still a heart wrenching time for our members and support facilities that will suffer as well through these life altering changes we all must now face,” said DeVary. “Of course, we thank the community for its support.”
Podcast: Listen to DeVary’s conversation on WJBC.
DeVary could not divulge too many details of the agreement.
“Mainly, the language was changed to shortened time frames,” he said.
Mitsubishi Motors North America released a statement on the deal.
DeVary added he has not heard a positive update on a potential new buyer for the plant, but they are hopeful someone will be found.
Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.
Adam Studzinski contributed to this report and can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
