UAW members at CNH Industrial in Wisconsin and Iowa vote to strike

Workers are on strike for improved standard of living, retirement benefits, and a better work environment.

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Published on May 3, 2022

UAW picket outside a John Deere plant in October 2021 — Photo: Scott Olson, Getty Images

Over 1,000 United Auto Workers (UAW) members at CNH Industrial are on strike for improved standard of living, retirement benefits, and a better work environment, according to a press release from the UAW.

UAW members at locations in Racine, Wisconsin, and Burlington, Iowa, struck at 12 p.m. on May 2, claiming that CNH failed to present an agreement that met member demands and needs. This strike comes after CNH Industrial reported a $1.8 billion profit for the year of 2021.

"CNH Industrial is disappointed that the parties were unable to reach an agreement and that the UAW has decided to call a strike," CNH Industrial said in a statement. "We recognize the Union's decision creates high anxiety among our represented employees in Burlington and Racine, as well as our other employees, our customers, and our community. We remain committed to reaching an agreement, and we are working to resolve this issue. We will continue to negotiate in good faith and trust that the Union will do the same."

The CNH Industrial plant in Burlington is responsible for manufacturing combine harvesting headers for Case IH and New Holland, as well as tractor loaders, backhoes, rough-terrain forklifts, and crawler dozers for its construction brand. The Racine plant manufactures Magnum tractors for the Case IH brand.

Ray Curry, president of UAW, says UAW CNH Industrial members worked through the pandemic after the company deemed them essential to produce the equipment that feeds the United States, and powers the economy.

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

About 10,000 UAW members went on strike at John Deere in late 2021 demanding higher pay and more comprehensive healthcare coverage. For fiscal year 2021, Deere and Company saw a record net income of nearly $6 billion. The strike ended when UAW members ratified a six-year agreement after three rounds of negotiations and nearly six weeks on strike.