DETROIT -- A new union contract has paved the way for approximately 700 members of UAW Local 2069 at Volvo Trucks North America to be recalled from layoff.

About 100 workers will return May 2; more than 250 are scheduled to report back May 9, and more than 350 will return May 16.

The return means truck production at Volvo's Dublin, Va., plant will increase from a rate of 78 trucks per day to 123 per day. The recall will also include adding a second shift at the plant.

The new agreement, which UAW members ratified on March 27, also allows Volvo to be more competitive with other manufacturers that produce heavy-duty Class 8 trucks in the United States and Mexico.

"Volvo's ramp up in production is a direct result of the new UAW contract that made it possible for workers to return and for the company to increase its truck production," said UAW Vice President General Holiefield, who directs the union's Heavy Truck Department.

"If it was not for the new collective bargaining agreement, the company would have taken a different approach to reaching their goals to produce the trucks. Other measures could have included increasing scheduled overtime for the current work force. Some workers might have been recalled, but not nearly the amount that is possible now," Holiefield added.

"We are proud that UAW members and a union contract played a major role in paving the way for these positive developments," said Gary Casteel, director of UAW Region 8, which covers the Southeast, including Virginia.

"This certainly is a case in which a contract makes a difference, not just for the workers, but for their families, their communities and our region," Casteel added. "This achievement is possible because UAW members negotiated a contract that would open the door for increased job security for active workers and increased production for Volvo."

For more information, please contact Michele Martin, director, UAW Public Relations Department.