About 10,000 John Deere employees at 14 facilities in the U.S. went on strike at midnight Thursday, after rejecting tentative labour agreements this past weekend.
Depending how long the strike lasts, it could intensify inventory shortages that dealers are already facing due to other supply chain disruptions.
The employees are members of the UAW (International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.)
“Our members at John Deere strike for the ability to earn a decent living, retire with dignity, and establish fair work rules,” said Chuck Browning, vice president and director of the UAW’s Agricultural Implement Department. “We stay committed to bargaining until our members’ goals are achieved.”
The union has established picket lines at John Deere locations.
According to Deere, the facilities affected by the strike include the following:
- In Iowa, Davenport Works, Des Moines Works, Dubuque Works, Ottumwa Works, and Waterloo Works, including Tractor and Cab Assembly, Engine Works, and the Foundry.
- In Illinois, Harvester Works in East Moline, North American Parts Distribution Center in Milan, and the Seeding Group and Cylinder Division in Moline.
- In Kansas, Coffeyville Works.
“John Deere is committed to a favourable outcome for our employees, our communities, and everyone involved,” said Brad Morris, vice president of labor relations for Deere & Company, in a statement early Thursday.
Deere says it does not have an estimate on when the striking employees will resume work or when negotiations with the UAW will be completed.