Updated October 5, 2022, 11:46 a.m. CST
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Summary of Updates:

• John Deere Horicon Works Employees Ratify 4-Year Contract
• IAMAW Exec: Deere Negotiations Could Stretch into October
• John Deere Begins Contract Negotiations with IAMAW

Latest Update:

John Deere Horicon Works Employees Ratify 4-Year Contract

The International Assn. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has informed Deere & Company that its production and maintenance employees have voted to ratify a new four-year collective bargaining agreement that covers 900 workers at the John Deere Horicon Works in Horicon, Wis. The vote was passed with 80% voting to ratify the contract.

Aug. 5, 2022

IAMAW Exec: Deere Negotiations Could Stretch into October

According to an Aug. 1 report from the Daily Dodge, President of IAMAW Local Lodge 873 Darrel Schepp said negotiations between the union and Deere could extend into September or October. He added, however, that he is optimistic.

Schepp told the Daily Dodge the union is seeking "better wages, better hours, better and safer working conditions and better benefits."

Aug. 3, 2022

John Deere Begins Contract Negotiations with IAMAW

According to a press release from the International Assn. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, negotiations on a contract covering John Deere's Horicon Works facility in Horicon, Wis., have begun. The Horicon facility manufacturers lawn and garden equipment, as well as utility vehicles.

The press release stated the contract covers almost 750 members, with the current contract set to expire Oct. 1. It also states around 60% of the membership has never participated in collective bargaining before.

IAM District 10 Directing Business Representative Alex Hoeksta said in the press release the union wanted Deere to place an emphasis on retirement benefits and eliminate 3rd party insourcing. 

The Horicon Works facility was not part of the strike put on last year by UAW-represented John Deere employees.

John Deere confirmed in an Aug. 5 statement to Rural Lifestyle Dealer that the current Horicon Works contract was ratified July 1, 2015 and does not involve any other John Deere manufacturing facilities.