Deere strike ends as workers ratify third agreement

DAVENPORT — The UAW voted Wednesday to ratify the latest offer from Deere & Co, ending the strike that has extended into five weeks.

Other than minor changes to Deere’s inventive program, the agreement — the third one offered — provided the same benefits as the second agreement, which was turned away Nov. 2 by a 55-to-45 percent vote. This time, union members approved the deal 61 to 39 percent.

The six-year contract covers about 10,100 production and maintenance employees at 12 facilities in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas.

With the ratification of a new agreements workers are expected to return to their jobs. Workers should consult with their local union representatives to see whether they report back to work on Thursday morning or later this week, according to Brian Rothenberg, spokesperson for the UAW.