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Deere Workers Approve New Contract, Ending Strike

WVIK News

John Deere workers have ended a month-long strike and are back on the job after approving a new contract with the company.

UAW members endorsed the latest offer with a 61% majority on Wednesday.

The six-year contract includes an immediate 10 percent raise, double what was originally offered in October. It also includes cost of living adjustments, continues pension benefits for new workers, and increases performance payments.

The contract covers the more than 10,000 John Deere employees in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas who went on strike on October 14, demanding better pay as John Deere is on track to set record profits this year.

Deere operations resumed Wednesday evening for the third shift.

Aaryan Balu first set foot in audio journalism at WTJU Charlottesville and WRIR Richmond, and now works as WVIK Quad Cities NPR's Fellowship Host.