More than 10K John Deere employees go on strike Thursday

More than 10,000 Deere & Company workers went on strike Thursday after the company allegedly "failed to present an agreement that met" the demands and needs of union members.  

The United Auto Workers union said its members — who are seeking an improved standard of living, retirement benefits and a better work environment — would walk off the job by 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 13 if a deal wasn't reached.

However, a vast majority of the union members, about 90%, rejected a tentative agreement reached by the union and John Deere earlier this week even though it would have delivered 5% raises to some workers and 6% raises to others.

"Our members at John Deere strike for the ability to earn a decent living, retire with dignity and establish fair work rules," said Chuck Browning, vice president of UAW’s Agricultural Implement Department. "We stay committed to bargaining until our members’ goals are achieved."