UAW-represented employees at Caterpillar Inc. last week ratified a new six-year labor agreement. The contract was approved by a majority of UAW members at Caterpillar in voting March 6.

The new agreement covers about 9,500 hourly production and maintenance workers at Caterpillar facilities in Illinois, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

“This ratification is particularly pleasing as it may have finally put the troublesome relationship between the UAW and Cat right where it belongs: behind us,” said Dennis Williams, UAW secretary-treasurer, who also directs the union’s Agricultural Implement Department and led these negotiations. “Both committees were professional, diligent and worked extremely hard to bring this agreement together on time.”

“This is another example of unions and business working together, recognizing each others’ needs, and finding creative solutions to keep good manufacturing jobs in the U.S. in this very competitive global economy,” said Bob King, UAW president.

The labor agreement covers workers represented by seven UAW locals, including four in Illinois: Local 974, East Peoria; Local 751, Decatur; Local 2096, Pontiac; and Local 145, Montgomery, as well as Local 786, York, Pa.; Local 1415, Denver and Local 1989, Memphis, Tenn.

The contract will expire March 1, 2017.