An anonymous group of United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 74 members from the Ottumwa Works John Deere plant issued a public statement to express what they say are growing concerns regarding their union’s current strategy and representation.
The statement reads:
“As dues-paying UAW members at John Deere Ottumwa Works, we are deeply concerned by the plant closure announcement and the International’s response. Rather than coming to Ottumwa to meet with us in person, leadership has limited its engagement to a Zoom call. This falls short of the support and representation we expect from the International Union.
“We feel that our futures and livelihoods are not being prioritized. The apparent focus on midterm political activities, at the expense of direct engagement with affected members, has left many of us feeling abandoned by the very leadership that is supposed to represent us. We remind the International that it works for the membership. We expect stronger, more visible support and concrete action on behalf of the workers at Ottumwa Works.”
John Deere announced last week that the Ottumwa Works plant will close by the end of the 2028 fiscal year. The plant’s workload will be transferred to a Deere plant in Ankeny.
John Deere’s first plant in Iowa was in Ottumwa in 1911. The closure is expected to affect approximately 400 workers.
The members of Local 74 say they remain deeply committed to their work and their community, and they urge the International leadership to align more closely with the immediate needs and voices of its local membership.
