After vote, Deere statement says company, UAW, will return to negotiations in 2027

According to a statement from John Deere, negotiations between Deere and the UAW will begin again next year.

"We are disappointed by the outcome of (Sunday's) vote. The current agreement remains in place through October 2027, when Deere and the UAW will return to negotiations," the statement says.

"We proposed the extension because we believe added stability and certainty would benefit our employees, customers, and business in a challenging environment."

Those market realities have not changed, according to Deere's statement, which continues: "Demand remains well below 2021 levels, approximately 1,200 production employees remain on layoff, ompetition continues to intensify, and the outlook for a significant recovery remains uncertain."

"Like every successful company, we must continually evaluate how we operate, compete, and prepare for the future," the statement continues. "Operational challenges and competitive pressures cannot be ignored, and they will continue to shape our decisions.

"Our responsibility remains clear: To deliver for customers, improve our performance, and strengthen the company for the future," the statement concludes.

What the union says

A Facebook post from United Auto Workers Amalgamated 838, Waterloo, Iowa, says "Thanks to all the membership for coming out and voting on your future. The members decided to turn down the proposal and go to bargaining in 2027. In Solidarity. Tim Cummings." (Cummings is the president of UAW Amalgamated 838.)

According to the union's Facebook page, union members voted Sunday, Aug. 23, at the union hall in Waterloo, where they voted down a two-year contract extension.

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