John Deere, the leading agricultural machinery manufacturer in the United States, has reached a tentative agreement with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union on a new five-year labor contract.
The tentative agreement, which covers around 10,000 workers across 12 factories in the US, was reached after months of negotiations between John Deere and the UAW. The agreement, which needs to be ratified by the UAW members, is expected to be approved in the coming weeks.
So what are the details of the tentative agreement between John Deere and the UAW?
Firstly, the new contract includes wage increases for workers. Under the proposed agreement, workers will receive a 5% raise in the first year of the contract, followed by 3% increases in each of the following four years. The contract also includes a $1,000 signing bonus for each worker.
The tentative agreement also includes improvements to healthcare benefits for workers, with a reduction in out-of-pocket expenses and an increase in employer contributions to health savings accounts.
In addition, the agreement includes provisions for improved job security for workers. The deal includes a commitment from John Deere to provide job guarantees for all current employees and also to invest $1.5 billion in US manufacturing operations over the term of the agreement.
The proposed contract also addresses issues related to temporary workers, with the establishment of a pathway for these workers to become permanent employees after a period of time.
Lastly, the tentative agreement includes provisions for increased diversity and inclusion in the workplace and an emphasis on training and job opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Overall, the tentative agreement between John Deere and the UAW represents a significant victory for workers, with improved wages, healthcare benefits, job security, and diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The agreement is expected to be ratified in the coming weeks, ensuring that workers at John Deere continue to receive fair and equitable treatment for years to come.