'We'll Never Be in This Position Again': Striking Deere Workers Hold Out for Better Deal

[Omaha Steve]

https://www.labornotes.org/2021/11/well-never-be-position-again-striking-deere-workers-hold-out-better-deal



For the second time in a month, 10,000 UAW members at John Deere stunned both the company and the union leadership November 2 by rejecting a tentative agreement. Photo: UAW Local 838

November 11, 2021 / Jonah Furman

A month into the nation’s largest work stoppage, striking John Deere workers are holding out for a better deal.

For the second time in a month, 10,000 Auto Workers at John Deere stunned both the company and the union leadership November 2 by rejecting a tentative agreement. Workers at the farm equipment manufacturer remain on strike. Company and union negotiators are set to meet today for the first time since the deal was voted down.

The vote was closer than on the first tentative agreement, which was rejected by 90 percent of members. This time, 55 percent voted no.

It came as a shock to many analysts, given the concessions workers had been able to wring out of Deere during their first two weeks on strike. The agreement included immediate 10 percent raises—double what was in the first TA—plus two more 5 percent raises and three 3 percent lump sum payments during the six-year contract. It killed the “third tier” Deere had proposed, preserving the option of a traditional pension for all new hires. It restored a cost-of-living adjustment that workers had lost in the last contract. And it boosted existing pensions and added retirement bonuses. To sweeten the deal, Deere offered an $8,500 ratification bonus.

FULL story at link at top.

[multigraincracker]

1. I stood around burn barrels in mid winter

as a UAW member. It was so worth it. 30 and out, I retired 20 years ago at age 52. While not perfect, they have served me well.

[Tetrachloride]

2. This is the labor turn around. i believe the Teamsters could make a move

[asiliveandbreathe]

4. Indeed!! n/t

[asiliveandbreathe]

5. Indeed!! n/t

[asiliveandbreathe]

3. Good for them..this is what strikes are all about..a living wage, pension at

works retirement, healthcare, safety on the job, - I would love to see J Deere - comparison employee pay vs CEO, and BS Corporate cronies, paper pushing for dollars aholes pay..

It wasn't always like this folks..I remember late 60s CWA strike..weeks and weeks..in New England, the communities supported the strikers..actually remember at least 6 strikes..been there -

Bet dollars to donuts, J Deere may be finding it difficult to hire scabs..skills required for a lot of these jobs ..