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IndustriALL John Deere Network Meeting

10 September, 2014In a move to strengthen workers’ position in the John Deere group, union representatives from around the world committed to intensify cooperation in the global trade union network at a meeting in Germany on 4-5 September.

On 4 and 5 September, John Deere union representatives from USA, Brazil, Germany, Spain, Finland and India met in Germany to discuss strengthening their network activities. This involves improving cross border cooperation in order to strengthen trade union positions within the John Deere Group.

During the two days, delegates from the six countries discussed the situation and the future activities of the group, including possible interaction with the European Works Council (EWC), whose annual meeting will take place later this month.

One of the trade union representatives clearly stated:  “As John Deere organizes its activities and strategies on a global level, we as trade unions will also find our answers globally. We are a global family trade unions and trade union members.”

The John Deere trade union network has made good contacts and is in a good position to become fully operational. Participants re-drafted internal guidelines and agreed to organize a regular exchange via standardized questionnaires.

At the end of the network meeting, delegates decided to try to meet again next year together with the already operating Caterpillar network.  

Matthias Hartwich, IndustriALL Director for Mechanical Engineering and Materials Industries says:

“It is crucial to overcome political and company barriers in order to be able to give workers a voice.”