Union Members Reject Second Deere & Co. Deal, Extending Strike

The United Auto Workers (UAW) members on strike at John Deere facilities across the Midwest have rejected a proposed agreement between the union and John Deere (45% yes, 55% no). The agreement, which outlined 10% salary increases, indicates the employees’ increased leverage amid the national labor shortage and critical demand in farm equipment as harvest gets closer to completion. Outside the industry, a number of workers on strike around the country could also increase, including those in healthcare and even in Hollywood, who are in a simimlar position of rejecting tentative deals. The movement shows U.S. workers demanding increasingly better compensation and benefits amid at or near-record profits in several industries. John Deere workers will continue to strike, extending an almost three-week long leave. Read more on the agreement rejection and next steps.