The article notes that anti-DEI proposals from the National Center for Public Policy Research have been overwhelmingly defeated this year at several major corporations, including John Deere. This outcome highlights John Deere's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, reinforcing policies that support marginalized communities and counter authoritarian efforts to roll back civil rights.

John Deere announced it will scale back its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts by discontinuing participation in social and cultural awareness events and revising training materials to remove socially motivated content, a decision made in response to conservative backlash and online pressure.

In response to conservative backlash, John Deere announced it will cease sponsoring social or cultural awareness events, effectively rolling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This move is interpreted as a retreat from commitments that support marginalized communities and labor rights.

Following a right-wing campaign against its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, John Deere announced on June 27, 2024 that it would retire its DEI initiatives. This decision represents a perceived capitulation to right-wing pressures, potentially undermining protections for workers and marginalized communities.

John Deere workers approved a final contract offer that includes a 10% immediate raise, additional percentage increases in subsequent years, bonus payments, and improved health benefits. The approval, coming after a month-long strike affecting over 10,000 workers, marks a significant labor victory and improved conditions for union members.

A UAW leader warned that John Deere may resort to hiring permanent, non-union replacements if union members reject their contract offer. This threat, reported amid ongoing negotiations and a recent strike, raises serious concerns about the company’s commitment to fair labor practices and respect for workers’ rights.

In October 2021, 10,100 John Deere workers across Iowa, Illinois, and Kansas went on strike after 90% of union members rejected a proposed six-year contract that offered only a 5% pay increase in the first year while cutting future benefits. The strike, set against the backdrop of record company profits and a significant CEO raise, underscores deep concerns over the company’s labor practices and fairness to its workforce.

More than 10,000 production and warehouse workers across 14 John Deere plants went on strike on October 14, 2021, after rejecting a tentative contract proposal. The workers cited persistent excessive overtime, a two-tier employment system established since 1997, inadequate wage increases, and cuts to post-retirement benefits as core issues behind poor working conditions.