UAW and Deer are set to clash amid AI sales boom

Deere and the United Auto Workers are headed for a showdown as UAW members rejected a proposed Deere contract extension. The union announced late Sunday that its workers turned down a deal that would have extended the current collective bargaining agreement for two years, through 2029. The offer included 4% annual wage increases and $3,000 bonuses each year, with no changes to pensions and health care. UAW president Shawn Fain criticized Deere for layoffs and said the union wants a more lucrative agreement now that the company’s fortunes have improved, adding that Deere will be at the table in 2027. Deere said it was “disappointed” and expects to return to negotiations before the contract expires in October 2027. Deere’s construction and forestry sales rose 18% to $3.62 billion, with operating profit up 84%.