BREAKING: Strike Over? Tentative Deal Reached in John Deere Dispute
There is some positive news coming out of the ongoing labor dispute between John Deere and the United Auto Workers Union (UAW) that represents many employees of John Deere. While there's still a need to vote and the strike will continue until this happens, this is seen by the union as a very positive step.
A new 6-year deal would end the dispute if approved
Union leaders announced Saturday that the tentative deal with John Deere to end a labor strike, which has been ongoing for several weeks, is in the hands of union members, according to a CBS2 report. Until a vote to ratify the deal, the strike will continue. John Deere and Company officials also confirmed the agreement on a new 6-year labor contract.
<p>The negotiators focused on improving the areas of concern identified by our members during our last ratification process. -Chuck Browning, UAW Vice President</p><p> </p>
Until members at all John Deere locations have an opportunity to meet and go over the terms of their new proposed contract, the UAW will not release details of the new agreement. The strike has impacted the factories in Iowa and Illinois. Deere and Company are headquartered in Moline, Illinois.
What led to the strike
In a previous report, it was revealed that 90% of union members rejected a contract offer in mid-October that would have given 5% raises to some workers, and 6% raises to others. This led to the first major strike for John Deere workers in 35 years.
The contract breakdown came as Deere and Company reported record profits of $5.7 to $5.9 billion on the year. Sales of agricultural and construction equipment are what spurred the record profits for the company.