On Wednesday, Caterpillar announced that it had reached an agreement with the International Association of Machinists, which represents the 700 workers at their plant in Illinois. The workers have been on strike for fifteen weeks. The agreement includes a six-year wage freeze for older workers, one raise for newer workers, a pension freeze and increased health care costs. The Local that represents the workers says that the deal was negotiated at a higher level and gives in to Caterpillar's demands. They are telling members to vote against the agreement.
See "Ratification of Union's Deal With Caterpillar May Face Difficulties", Steven Greenhouse, The New York Times, August 15, 2012