Caterpillar and Joliet union workers have a new contract. The International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers Union voted Friday morning to accept the six year deal. The contract covers about 800 Caterpillar employees in Joliet.  
That news comes at the same time the United Auto Workers 974 is preparing for most of its East Peoria Facility workers to take a temporary layoff.  Caterpillar announced yesterday/Thursday it’s East Peoria facility would idle for about week later this year.
The plant just completed a two-week paid vacation shut-down.  UAW 974 president Dave Chapman says the temporary layoffs are better than workers taking indefinite layoffs. He says it means the union members remain employed.
A statement from the company says it's idling the complex to align production with demand. The move comes despite the fact Caterpillar announced record results for the second quarter of the year.
Caterpillar spokeswoman Bridget Young says the shutdown likely will be in November or December.