Members of the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) have rejected a proposed six-year labor agreement with Deere & Co. that would have covered over 10,000 workers at 14 U.S. plants – including the group’s gray and ductile iron foundry in Waterloo, IA.
“The tentative agreement reached by the UAW and John Deere was rejected this evening by a majority of 90% of the membership," stated UAW vice president Chuck Browning, on October 10.
Reportedly, the rejected agreement contract would immediately have provided 5-6% raises for workers, followed by for 3% raises in 2023 and 2025.
Negotiations toward a new contract reportedly have resumed. The union has set a strike deadline of 11:59 pm, October 13.
Operations are continuing at Deere plants, the manufacturer of construction, agricultural, forestry, and other off-road equipment reported.
"After weeks of negotiations, John Deere reached tentative agreements with the UAW that would have made the best wages and most comprehensive benefits in our industries significantly better for our employees," stated Brad Morris, vice president of labor relations for Deere. "John Deere remains fully committed to continuing the collective bargaining process in an effort to better understand our employees' viewpoints. In the meantime, our operations will continue as normal."