Union workers at John Deere have rejected a proposal that would have extended their current labor agreement through 2029. United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain says job security remains a major concern for members, with about 16-hundred Deere employees still laid off while some jobs are being outsourced. The union also pointed to Deere’s financial performance. The company earned nearly five-billion dollars in profit last year and expects between four-and-a-half and five-billion dollars this year.

The UAW says Deere also spent more than one-billion dollars on stock buybacks and paid roughly one-point-seven-billion dollars in dividends during 2025. Union leaders say workers believe they deserve a greater share of the company’s success. The rejection does not immediately affect operations. The existing labor contract remains in effect, with negotiations expected to resume before it expires in 2027.

By: NATHAN STUEDLEUnion workers at John Deere have rejected a proposal that would have extended their current labor agreement through 2029. United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain says job security remains a major concern for members, with about 16-hundred Deere employees still laid off while some jobs are being outsourced. The union also pointed to Deere’s financial performance. The company earned nearly five-billion dollars in profit last year and expects between four-and-a-half and five-billion dollars this year.The UAW says Deere also spent more than one-billion dollars on stock buybacks and paid roughly one-point-seven-billion dollars in dividends during 2025. Union leaders say workers believe they deserve a greater share of the company’s success. The rejection does not immediately affect operations. The existing labor contract remains in effect, with negotiations expected to resume before it expires in 2027.

John Deere workers reject contract extension