In mid-October, approximately 10,000 workers from John Deere, represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, went on strike in response to the company's contract proposal, which was perceived as insufficient in addressing workers' needs. The strike took place across several plants in the Midwest, including Iowa, Illinois, and Kansas. Workers expressed dissatisfaction with their wages and benefits, especially in light of John Deere's robust profits, which had recently surged due to a booming demand for agricultural equipment. They sought an increase in wages, better health care provisions, and improved retirement benefits.

The strike underscored the ongoing struggles faced by labor unions in negotiating favorable terms for their members amidst rising inflation and cost of living issues. It was the first major strike against John Deere since 1986 and highlighted the tensions between corporate profitability and labor rights. As workers stood firm, picket lines were established across multiple sites to rally support and maintain solidarity. The support for the strike resonated not only within John Deere but also across the broader labor movement, as workers from various industries expressed solidarity and shared their own struggles.

Negotiations continued throughout the strike period, with union leaders advocating for a fair contract that reflected the sacrifices made by workers during challenging times. The labor action brought significant media attention to ongoing labor disputes in the U.S. and sparked conversations about workers’ rights, corporate responsibility, and economic equity in the face of increasing wealth concentration and corporate profits.