Most Deere workers reject contract offer from tractor maker

MOLINE, Ill. (AP) — The vast majority of United Auto Workers union members rejected a contract offer from Deere & Co. Sunday that would have delivered at least 5% raises to the workers who make John Deere tractors and other equipment.

Negotiators will return to the bargaining table Monday to try and work out a new deal to cover more than 10,000 workers at 14 plants across the United States.

The union set a strike deadline of 11:59 p.m. Wednesday.

Company officials expressed disappointment that the contract offer was rejected.

Under the proposed contract some workers would have received immediate 5% raises while others would have received 6% raises depending on their positions.

The pact also called for 3% raises in 2023 and 2025.