Iowa’s largest manufacturing employer announced layoffs (Monday) at two plants in the state. Deere and Company informed 115 workers in Waterloo and 30 in Davenport they will be placed on indefinite layoff by the end of September. Tom Ralston is president of UAW Local 838 in Waterloo.

On Friday, Deere released its third-quarter financial report — showing a drop in sales and net income for the Quad Cities based company. Deere officials blame the lackluster farm economy. The layoffs should surprise no one, according to Ralston.

Around 660 Deere workers in Waterloo are still on indefinite layoff from following major workforce reductions announced over the last two years.
The affected employees last working day in Waterloo is September 23. The last day for the Davenport workers is September 30.