John Deere Workers Sign Major Deal Barring Factory Closures

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.inthesetimes.com/working/entry/4992/john_deere_workers_sign_major_deal_barring_factory_closures/

Tuesday October 6 9:01 am

By Emily Udell

A contract affecting some 9,500 workers and 17,000 retirees at the world’s largest farm machinery manufacturer was ratified this week. John Deere employees at 15 factories in Illinois, Iowa, Georgia, Kansas and Colorado are covered under the deal, which was approved by members of the United Autoworkers after the company and the union announced it had reached a tentative agreement last week. It will be in effect through October 2015.


(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)


The contract was approved by 82 percent in Sunday voting. As part of the agreement, Deere agreed not to close any plants for the duration of the deal. Workers will also receive a $3,500 ratification bonus.

“This contract gives our members wage gains and protections, job security improvements and pension gains they need to keep pace with today's economic uncertainties,” said UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles.

Dennis Williams, Region 4 Director for the union, said the deal also calls for a new apprenticeship program that will help workers develop skills and prepare for job advancement.

The UAW—or the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America—represents more than 510,000 members and 575,000 retirees in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

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1. We had one of those deals

I lost my job April 17th with 39 years seniority. They can always a find a loophole.