John Deere says it's laying off 145 at eastern Iowa plants

WATERLOO — John Deere has announced more layoffs at two eastern Iowa plants.

Company spokesman Ken Golden said Monday 115 workers in Waterloo will be laid off effective Sept 23 and 30 in Davenport effective Sept. 30.

UAW Local 838 shop chairman Tim Niedert said the layoffs came as no surprise. On Friday the Moline, Ill.-based company announced its 10th consecutive quarter of year-over-year earnings declines, citing continuing downturns in the agriculture sector.

Golden said about 870 people are working at the Davenport plant and about 2,930 at the Waterloo plant. Those figures don't reflect the layoffs. He said the Waterloo plant makes larger farm tractors. The Davenport plant makes construction and forestry equipment.

http://www.thehawkeye.com/ap/business/john-deere-says-it-s-laying-off-at-eastern-iowa/article_444518c5-d0e2-5abe-9bb4-e8faa4f3f02a.html (short article)

Cross-posted in Omaha Steve's Labor Group.