Global Equipment Company Takes To The Picket Line In Iowa

After CNH Industries, the company that makes New Holland and Case IH tractors, failed to present an agreement that met member demands and needs, workers took to the picket line.

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1,000 workers in Burlington, Iowa, and Racine, Wisconsin went on strike on Monday after contract talks faltered. This is after bargainers extended the agreement deadline hour by hour on May 1st.

According to an article in Equipment World, the six-year contract agreement at both facilities expired on April 30^th. This labor contract covered around 1,100 hourly workers in the Burlington, and Racine facilities.

Chuck Browning, Vice President and Director of the United Automobile Worker (UAW) Agricultural Implement Department, said in a statement:

Our members at CNHi strike for the ability to earn a decent living, retire with dignity and establish fair work rules. We stay committed to bargaining until our member’s goals are achieved.

The company released a statement saying they are disappointed they couldn’t reach an agreement with the union and is committed to the bargaining process.

On April 10^th, more than 95 percent of workers at both plants voted in favor of strike authorization—just six days after contract negotiations began. This meant that if deemed necessary, the union would be able to call a strike.

The last strike at the two facilities happened back in 2004, also during negotiations for a new contract.

UAW workers at CNH Industrial facilities, as well as Caterpillar- whose labor contract runs out in 2023- are hoping to make gains like the workers at John Deere did.