About 10,000 United Auto Workers (UAW) members voted to reject a proposal to extend their current six-year labor agreement with Deere & Co. Neither the UAW nor John Deere released the vote totals or margin. The proposal was directed at production and maintenance workers at 12 manufacturing plants and parts distribution sites in five states, including the John Deere Foundry in Waterloo, IA.

The current contract expires in October 2027.

The 189-year-old manufacturer of agricultural, construction, forestry, and lawn care machinery proposed a two-year extension - through October 2029 - continuing the annual 4% wage increases and $3,000 bonus payments, and preserving pension programs, healthcare coverage, cost-of-living adjustments, and other benefits agreed in 2021. That settlement followed a 35-day strike two rejected proposals.

“We proposed the extension because we believe added stability and certainty would benefit our employees, customers, and business in a challenging environment,” Deere stated following the vote.

The UAW stated that the members’ rejection showed that Deere has not addressed ongoing layoffs and outsourced work.

“While John Deere continues to outsource jobs, 1,600 workers are still laid off. Our members rejected Deere’s offer to extend their contract because they know their worth and what they deserve,” UAW president Shawn Fain stated. “The company failed to make an offer that addressed the issues weighing on the minds of our members, especially job security. We’ll see Deere at the table in 2027.”

The union also voiced objection to Deere’s corporate stock buybacks and dividend payments, as well as executive compensation at the manufacturer.