Caterpillar workers at plant outside of Chicago will vote on a new contract offer next week. The workers have been on strike since May 1st, after their previous contract expired. The company's offer includes some changes to the one that workers had previously rejected. Workers said that the proposal would freeze wages for some, undermine seniority and increase the cost of health care. The company says that the changes are necessary for the health of the company. The plant has continued to operate during the strike, with a reduced workforce.
See "Striking Caterpillar Workers To Vote on Revised Offer", Bob Tita, The Wall Street Journal, May 24, 2012