UAW seeks to have Deere injunction lifted

DAVENPORT — A Nov. 19 hearing has been set in Davenport on the injunction limiting behavior on the picket lines in front of the Davenport Deere manufacturing plant.

The UAW union, which represents more than 10,000 striking workers, is asking the court for an in-person, rather than a remote, hearing in Scott County District Court.

The injunction granted Oct. 20 by Chief Judge Marlita Greve ordered the UAW to have no more than four picketers "near" each gate of the plant; banned the use of chairs and barrel fires by the striking workers; and prohibited harassment and intimidation tactics that at least five trucking companies said they had encountered.

Labor law experts who've reviewed the injunction said the ban on chairs and fire barrels is unusual. They believe the injunction lacks sufficient evidence to prove those factors are impacting entry to and exit from the plant.

On Oct. 25, the UAW filed a motion to have the injunction lifted. Attorneys for the union said the judge had heard only Deere’s side of the story.

Deere is asking that the injunction be kept in place.