John Deere Workers Strike After UAW Fails to Reach Deal

Thousands of John Deere employees went on strike as of midnight on October 14, after the company “failed to present an agreement” that met the “demands and needs” of members of the United Auto Workers (UAW), the union said.

This footage shows employees striking at the John Deere Ottumwa Works in Iowa on Thursday morning. A participant recorded video as semi-trailers pulled up to the site. Some trucks continued past the picket line and were met with boos, while others honked to show their appreciation and drove past, the source said.

The UAW said in a statement that employees of John Deere were striking “for the ability to earn a decent living, retire with dignity, and establish fair work rules.”

The union said more than 10,000 union members at 14 different John Deere locations had set up pickets for the October 14 strike. UAW President Ray Curry said UAW John Deere members provided essential services during the pandemic, “showing us all that through the power of a strong united union voice on the picket line they can make a difference for working families here and throughout the country.”

In a responding statement, Deere & Company Labor Relations Vice President Brad Morris said, “We are determined to reach an agreement with the UAW that would put every employee in a better economic position and continue to make them the highest paid employees in the agriculture and construction industries. We will keep working day and night to understand our employees’ priorities and resolve this strike, while also keeping our operations running for the benefit of all those we serve.” Credit: Anonymous via Storyful