Why did John Deere employees go on strike?

For the first time in 35 years, Deere & Co. employees went on strike, extending a string of labor disputes at major U.S. corporations during a countrywide labor crisis.

The United Auto Workers Union represents 10,100 U.S. manufacturing workers who walked off the job at 12:01 a.m. Thursday at 14 U.S. sites for the farm- and construction equipment major.

Negotiators from Deere and the union are still meeting and discussing trade proposals, but the next face-to-face negotiating session isn’t expected until early next week, according to a source familiar with the situation.

The Moline, the Illinois-based company, renowned for its green and yellow tractors, is facing worker demands for greater salaries and expanded benefits as labor unions pursue similar measures at major U.S. food producers, restaurant chains, and auto manufacturers, initiating strikes in certain cases.

Labor issues for businesses come on top of rising supply-chain expenses and logistical challenges, which have delayed production and raised prices for consumers and other customers.

On Sunday 10th October 2021, Deere employees voted down a tentative agreement that would have offered six years of salary rises and lump-sum bonuses, as well as improved benefits for retirees. While negotiations resumed this week, negotiators were unable to strike a new deal before the union’s Wednesday deadline to prevent a walkout.

Workers at Deere and other firms are currently on strike against a backdrop of widespread labor shortages, which has contributed to pay increases for existing employees as employers add enticements such as signing bonuses to attract new recruits.

Many workers have been requested or expected to work longer hours throughout the year as the labor force shrinks and record numbers of Americans abandon their employment, heightening the danger of burnout and resignations among those who remain, according to CEOs.