UAW Workers Protest Plant Closures and Layoffs in Washington, DC

The ongoing challenges faced by workers in the agricultural machinery sector have prompted a group of United Auto Workers (UAW) members from John Deere and Case New Holland (CNH) to voice their concerns in Washington, DC. They are strongly opposing plant closures, layoffs, and the broader impact on laborers in this industry.

Their message is captured in a newly released video, which can be watched here.

One of the significant issues highlighted involves the potential shutdown of a long-established plant in Burlington, Iowa, by CNH, a massive multinational company. This plant's closure threatens the livelihoods of many in the local community. Despite CNH's substantial profits of $6.6 billion over the past three years, the company has redirected over $3.1 billion towards shareholder returns and executive remuneration.

In retaliation, UAW members and their leaders are mobilizing efforts at the grassroots level and are actively seeking support from Congress. Their campaign calls for bipartisan cooperation and legislative action to address these corporate decisions that affect workers across the Midwest and the nation.

Marcques Derby, plant chairman at UAW Local 807 in Burlington, Iowa, expressed the sentiments of many workers, stating, “I understand that you have to be a profitable company, but does profitable mean you have to take food off of my table too?” He urged lawmakers, “Reach across the aisle to condemn these actions and activities from CNH. It’s a multinational and multibillion dollar company. Make your stance be known. It’s just a commitment that I’m asking for. Actually, I’m not even asking, I’m demanding it.”