After being on strike for two-weeks, a majority of Advance Auto Parts (AAP) workers at the Kutztown distribution center voted to ratify a first collective bargaining agreement between Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 1310 and AAP.

The key to resolving the strike came on Monday, September 16, 2019, when AAP added wage and bonus increases from the company’s pre-strike final offer, the offer that led workers to go on strike.

With a vote of 265 to 104, the labor dispute ends now that workers and the company have come to an agreement.

“Hundreds of AAP employees demonstrated tremendous strength over these last two weeks, and now they’re seeing the rewards,” said Dennis L. Martire, LIUNA Vice President and mid-Atlantic Regional Manager. “With support from political leaders and community advocates for a new contract, the parties achieved a compromise that is fair for both sides.”

All of approximately 450 employees, regardless of duration of employment, will receive between a 1.5 to 2 percent wage increase each year of the contract with significant additional compensation through new bonuses that are now available, including a $650 ratification bonus.

In September 2018, workers voted for union representation with LIUNA Local 1310 by a vote of 291 to 131 to address their pay, health insurance, and working conditions.

“We promised to be a partner in the workers’ fight for better working conditions,” said LIUNA Local 1310 Business Manager, Thomas Borum. “When they decided to strike, we stood by that promise and we will continue to do so.”

In the following days, Borum will sign the new contract, and it will officially go into effect for the next 3 years.

“LIUNA appreciates the company’s willingness to bridge differences and arrive at a deal that’s going to benefit workers, shareholders, and customers,” said Eastern PA Laborers’ District Council Business Manager, Tony Seiwell. “We look forward to a productive relationship from here on.”

As the AAP worker strike ends, other strikes in the automobile industry have just begun.

“More and more workers are using their federal right to strike,” said Martire. “AAP employees set an example of the kind of courage and solidarity needed to raise job standards.”







