John Deere's striking union employees have approved the company's latest contract offer, ending a month-long strike and successfully fighting for greater pay and benefits.

 

In the third vote on a contract offer, the United Auto Workers union members voted 61% in favor of the deal that includes an $8,500 ratification bonus, an immediate 10% increase in wages with further increases over the life of the six-year agreement, and other benefits including retirement boosts. The new contract covers 12 plants in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois.

 

Vice President of the UAW and Director of the UAW Agricultural Implement department Chuck Browning said,  "The sacrifice and solidarity displayed by our John Deere members combined with the determination of their negotiators made this accomplishment possible. They have started a movement for workers in this country by what was achieved here today and they have earned the admiration and respect of all that strive for what is just and equitable in the workplace."

 

The workers had been on strike since Oct. 14.