Oct 14, 2021 - Economy

10,000 John Deere workers strike over contract

Axios

A tractor in a John Deere factory. Photo: John Deere

Some 10,000 unionized Deere & Company workers went on strike early Thursday after rejecting a contract proposal from the agriculture equipment manufacturer.

The big picture: The John Deere tractors maker and negotiators for the United Automobile Workers (UAW) reached a deal on the proposal earlier this month. 90% of union members voted against the agreement, per Reuters.

The strikers have set up pickets at John Deere's U.S. facilities, according to a UAW statement.

What they're saying: "Our members at John Deere strike for the ability to earn a decent living, retire with dignity and establish fair work rules," said Chuck Browning, vice president and director of the UAW's Agricultural Implement Department in a statement.

"We stay committed to bargaining until our members' goals are achieved," Browning added.
Deere said it "remained committed to reaching a new agreement" and it "had not yet estimated when it would complete negotiations," Reuters notes.

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10,000 John Deere workers strike over contract

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