John Deere Strike Ends as UAW Workers Approve New Contract

The employees of John Deere have ended their strike after the United Auto Workers (UAW) union approved the company's latest contract offer.

UAW, which represents more than 10,000 Deere workers, announced Wednesday that 61 percent of its members had voted in favor of the deal, compared to 39 percent against. It was reported that workers were expected to return to work Thursday, November 18.

The latest contract offer includes an $8,500 signing bonus, a 10 percent immediate raise, additional 5 percent raises in the third and fifth year of the proposed six-year deal, and other benefits including retirement boosts.

Deere union workers had been on strike for the past nearly five weeks fighting for greater pay and benefits.

On October 1, the union had reached an initial tentative agreement with the company, but most of the rank-and-file members voted against the deal in a voting that concluded on October 10. Following this, the employees started the strike demanding better terms.

The second contract offer was also rejected in a November 2 voting, though it gained more support with 45 percent voting in favor a deal.

According to the union, the latest offer had modest modifications from the previous one they rejected earlier this month.

EDITOR’S TAKE:

Great news for the ag industry!  Deere customers should be able to breathe a sigh of relief.  This is one less hurdle for them in preparing for the 2022 planting season.