The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1296 in Clarksville, Tennessee, has ratified a four-year contract with Trane Technologies, one of the region’s largest employers and a longstanding manufacturer of commercial heating and air units. The agreement was reached under the direction of District 1888 and includes significant wage increases, improved benefits, and strengthened workplace protections for nearly 1,700 employees in the area.
Clarksville, established in 1784 as a tobacco farming community, is now Tennessee’s fifth-largest metropolitan area. Trane Technologies began as a family plumbing business in Wisconsin in 1885 and later developed its first heating system in 1913 before patenting its first air conditioner almost two decades later.
“There is a lot of working-class history in the city of Clarksville and a strong union tradition at Trane Technologies,” said IAM Union Local 1296 President Brandie Givens. “The IAM Union is proud to be part of that history. Our members there have been the centerpiece of innovation, and they play a role in sustaining our local community and economy.”
Local 1296’s leadership team negotiated the contract after participating in training programs at the IAM’s William W. Winpisinger Center Education and Training Center in Maryland. The negotiation marked the first time women held top leadership positions within Local 1296.
“We didn’t know what to expect when we started preparing, but we were very excited and pleased when the membership ratified the new contract,” said Givens. “The negotiating committee attended the Negotiation Prep Program at the William W. Winpisinger Center.”
Members also benefited from support provided by the Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (LEADS) program, which prepares women for leadership roles within IAM.
“I was honored to be able to participate in the first cohort of the LEADS program and was also a member of the Committee on the Future. The LEADS Program showed me that women are not alone in the fight against management and we have allies throughout the IAM,” said Ashley Carpenter, Recording Secretary and Grievance Committee Member for Local 1296. “I was able to learn so much about our union that I didn’t know prior. My self-confidence grew as a result.”
Carpenter has worked at Trane Technologies for nearly two decades and highlighted how important negotiated contracts have been for workers’ ability to support their families over generations.
“Trane has been open for decades and has contributed to the local economy by negotiating contracts that allow our members to be able to take care of their families,” said Carpenter. “Me, along with several other employees, are second- or third-generation IAM Union members at Trane.”
According to data from the National Women’s Law Center, women now make up almost half of union membership nationally despite an overall decline in union membership over recent decades—a trend reflected at Local 1296.
“We look forward to making the lives of our members and their families better every day,” said Givens. “I would like to thank all the union brothers and sisters that helped and supported us.”
The new agreement includes an immediate 9.3% wage increase—equivalent to a $2 raise—for covered workers during its first year, along with an additional $2 skill adjustment for maintenance workers. Over four years, further wage increases are scheduled.
“I’m so proud of our members and their negotiating team. Once again, the IAM Union leads the way in the South when it comes to fighting for the working class and winning,” said Craig Martin, Southern Territory General Vice President for IAM Union. “Our bargaining team worked hard, didn’t budge, and ultimately delivered a contract that lifts the quality of life for working families in northern Tennessee.”
Reggie Dixon, Chief of Staff for IAM Union Southern Territory added: “Our union takes pride in bargaining industry-leading contracts. We set the bar high… We step up, take care of our members, and make sure they are rewarded for their loyalty and hard work. Our members come first, plain and simple. And we delivered there in Tennessee.”
Beyond wages, enhancements include expanded bereavement leave policies, increased paid time off allowances, improved insurance benefits, as well as changes enabling shop stewards greater flexibility conducting union business.
“This contract is about more than just numbers—it’s about dignity on the job,” said Bill Benson, Directing Business Representative for District 1888. “We did bargaining unit surveys in early 2024… We fought for these gains at the table… We started negotiations in December of 2024, and we stayed at the bargaining table until mid-February 2025.”
The deal comes amid rising unemployment rates locally; Montgomery County’s unemployment rate recently increased from 3% recorded in April to nearly 3.5%. This economic context underscores why such labor agreements are seen as vital by many workers.
“It can be tough in Tennessee,” said Billy Givens from District 1888,”as many politicians and business interests here work very hard to frustrate unions… But this contract shows them that we will persevere and push forward in face of any opposition.”
IAM Union District 1888 represents various occupations across Clarksville—including workers at military installations—and services more than sixty worksites across Tennessee as well as parts of Kentucky, Alabama,and Georgia.
“We have a long track record of fighting for our dedicated,talented workers,and middle-class families…” concluded General Vice President Martin.”We will use our history…and recent contract victory…as momentum infuture collective bargaining negotiations… The best is yetto come,and members atIAM Union District1888andLocal1296willbepartofit.”
