John Deere worker hit by a car and killed walking to Illinois picket line, union says

An employee of a John Deere distribution plant in Illinois was fatally struck by a car as he walked to the picket line, union representation said.

The 56-year-old employee worked for 15 years at the Milan John Deere Parts Distribution Plant in Moline, according to a Wednesday news release from United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW).

“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our brother who was reporting to the picket line,” said Ron McInroy, director of UAW Region 4. “Our brother was fighting for what is right and we all mourn for his family and co-workers. Through our tears, we continue to picket and honor the solidarity of our fallen brother. But we do this with heavy hearts today.”

The Milan Police Department said the worker was fatally hit along the intersection of Rock Island-Milan Parkway and Deere Drive, according to WQAD. His death came as protesters entered day 14 of the John Deere strike.

He was hit just after 6 a.m. Wednesday, the Des Moines Register reported, which was about the time of the picketers’ shift change. Police said the intersection is not made for pedestrians — there is no crosswalk — and evidence does not point to a traffic violation by the driver.

UAW is not releasing the worker’s name, citing a policy of allowing family members to be notified and decide if they’d like to release that information.

“On behalf of the UAW and all working families, we mourn the passing of our UAW brother,” said Ray Curry, UAW president. “It is a somber time to lose a member who made the ultimate sacrifice in reporting to picket for a better life for his family and coworkers.”

In a statement to the Register, John Deere spokesperson Jennifer Hartmann said the company expresses its “deepest condolences” to the man’s family and friends.

“We are saddened by the tragic accident and death of one of our employees who was struck by a vehicle before dawn this morning while crossing the Milan Beltway,” she said.

The employee was one of more than 10,000 John Deere workers who have gone on strike ahead of a proposed new contract, according to KLJB. Workers are looking for better pay and pensions for new hires.

This story was originally published October 27, 2021 at 11:23 AM with the headline "John Deere worker hit by a car and killed walking to Illinois picket line, union says."