Union members with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) at John Deere Horicon Works in Horicon, Wisconsin, have ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement, the company announced today, Sept. 30.
In a news release, John Deere said the new contract covers 900 employees at the plant. The IAM Local 873, which represents production and maintenance employees, began negotiations with the Moline-based company on July 27.
The current agreement was set to expire Saturday, Oct. 1.
In the release, Deere said the vote passed by an overwhelming majority of workers (more than 80%) voting to ratify the contract.
“Together, Deere & Company and IAM have reached a collective bargaining agreement that provides economic progress for our employees, maintains John Deere’s competitiveness, and ensures Horicon Works employees will continue to produce products that have contributed to the livelihoods of our customers and to the Horicon community,” said Carol Lewis, vice president of Labor Relations for John Deere.
John Deere Horicon Works produces two of the company’s most recognizable and relied upon products – its Gator utility vehicle and its extensive line of lawn tractors.
John Deere has had a presence in Horicon for more than 110 years, dating back to 1911.
