With negotiations over a new contract reaching an impasse, more than 10,000 workers at 14 John Deere construction and agricultural equipment manufacturing facilities went on strike at midnight on Oct. 14. Represented by the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), they are responsible for assembling and shipping equipment and parts at Deere’s U.S. plants.
“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 Dept., in a press statement Oct. 14. “We stay committed to bargaining until our members’ goals are achieved.”