New Deere-UAW contract a 'richer' one

New Deere-UAW contract a 'richer' one

The new contract between Deere & Co. and the United Auto Workers is "a transitional agreement" that gives younger workers an increase in wages and benefits and older workers an increase in pension benefits to help them reach their retirement goals, a chief union negotiator said.

About 82 percent of the union membership -- the largest approval rating in many years -- ratified the six-year contract Oct. 4, said James Hecker, coordinator for the UAW Ag-Implement Department, Moline.

The contract covers about 9,500 employees and 17,000 retirees at 15 Deere locations in Illinois, Iowa and Kansas, and parts depots in Atlanta and Denver.

The contract made gains for Deere union workers hired before and after Oct. 1, 1997.

"It is a richer settlement than the last two (contracts)," Mr. Hecker said.

Pension increases for all Deere-UAW employees was one of the key provisions in the pact, Mr. Hecker said. Deere workers hired before Oct. 1, 1997, who choose to retire under this contract will receive a retirement bonus of $650 for each full year of service in addition to their basic pension and supplemental allowance, Mr. Hecker said.



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