MOLINE, Ill. — An unsanctioned picketing event will be held Monday, Nov. 8 at the John Deere headquarters in Moline. The first informational picket was held in September, before the most recent contract expired.
As the strike of United Auto Workers members with John Deere entered its 26th day Monday, members of the union and community are looking to push for more awareness.
The picketing happening Monday is protected under section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act: "The right to self organize and engage in concerted activity."
However, there are a few key differences between regular strike duty and this picket. Monday's event will be a "MYOS" or make your own sign event, something union workers on regular strike duty cannot do.
News 8 spoke to the informational picket's organizer Shannon Olsson. Olsson is a John Deere worker from Waterloo, Iowa.
"We are going to be able to unite this local [union]," Olsson said. "This isn't about politics. It is about doing what is right, and we deserve a better future. Our union is stronger than ever, and everyone will know that by our membership's actions come Monday."
Organizers stressed the importance of remaining respectful during Monday's picket. Organizers are asking everyone to keep signs clean and respectful and to not block traffic or cause disturbances that may shutdown the event.
The informational picket begins noon Monday.
News 8 reached out to Deere & Co. for its response to the event, and the company did not respond as of Monday morning.
Previously, John Deere Spokesperson Jen Hartmann said the contract that was rejected last week was the company's "best, last and final" offer. There was no word as of Monday if negotiations were expected to resume anytime soon.