No advancement, and only one 3% raise in the last 5 years despite record profits. - Machine Operator Caterpillar Employee Review

1.0
Sep 2, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Only pro to working at Cat is that if you have enough seniority, you may keep your job while they cut the workforce. That is if you can make a living without raises or any chance of promotion.

Cons

Honestly, if I were to list all the cons to working as a union employee at Cat, people would not believe they were true. Cat enjoyed record profits quarter after quarter until 2013, and management treated themselves to pay increases and bonuses each year. The average working guy was given only one 3% pay increase in the last five years (due to a new contract being signed by the union), and nothing else. No bonuses, no cost of living increase, no pension. Things like tuition reimbursement has been revoked, so no chance to improve yourself. Many more things could be listed, but you get the idea.

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5.0
Jun 7, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great benefits Great WLB Great pay

Cons

Low mobility to move up within company

2.0
Jun 10, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good health insurance and benefits, good yearly bonuses. The pay is good.

Cons

They are enforcing returning to office by any means necessary. They have lost many high-quality producers who have refused to relocate or refuse to come in. Here's the kicker - they are requiring in-person attendance at the Chicago office and there aren't even enough desks for everyone. It would be a literal fire hazard if we all came into the Chicago office at the same time, M-F, during business hours. No one knows how or if they are going to actually enforce this. Cost of gas is insane, Joe doesn't care about the workers. Or the work for that matter. It's obvious this is a soft layoff, they have made a bunch of people quit. Their internal design agency is falling apart, lots of people have quit, not only because of return to office but because of the toxic politics, favoritism, and lack of direction and accountability. Mediocre workers are allowed to keep their jobs ONLY because of their ability to put their bodies in a chair and work in-person. The other relocation option HR gave besides Chicago was Peoria. No one wants to live in Peoria for any reason whatsoever, be for real.

3
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