- John Deere union workers feel empowered in negotiations by the company’s high profits and a national labor shortage to insist on higher wages.
- Projections for 2021 income are from $3.6 billion to $4 billion, and given Deere’s record profits, that anemic raise offer isn’t acceptable.
- The Company’s contract offered incremental wage increases equal to 20 cents an hour each year over six years.
Sahid Fawaz from Labor 411 writes:
“As John Deere union workers mull their first strike since 1986, some report dissatisfaction with working conditions and their union representation. They also say they feel they are empowered by the company’s high profits and a national labor shortage.
After overwhelmingly voting down a contract Sunday night, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America Union 281 said the bargaining committee was recalled Monday morning, and a hard strike deadline of 11:59 p.m. Wednesday was set. A strike-duty roster is in circulation.
Members of that union say they were already experiencing mandatory overtime, an increasing workload, and lack of support from managers. Then came a contract they found inadequate.
They voted down the contract because of low wage increases and decreasing retirement benefits, according to one Quad-Cities union worker, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, because of the fear of retribution.
The worker said working conditions have gone ‘downhill’ since they started…”
See full story here.
Economic Left 
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