Tom Polansek

ANKENY, Iowa (Reuters) – U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited striking union members outside a Deere (NYSE:) & Co farm equipment plant in Iowa on Wednesday, telling workers he supports them and the country needs them.

The United Auto Workers (UAW), representing Deere workers, joins thousands of U.S. workers on strike over the past months demanding better pay and working conditions.

Workers are encouraged by tight job markets and an administration that they find sypathetic towards unions. They claim the strike is fueled by their frustration about cuts in healthcare and retirement benefits, at a moment when their employers report record-breaking profits.

Vilsack stated to picketers that “you work hard, and you deserve fair prices and fair deals.” John May, Deere Chief Executive Officer, said Vilsack would tell him how important it was to settle the matter quickly and fairly.

In August, due to high demand, the company increased its full-year earnings estimates.

Deere officials repeatedly stated that they wanted to end the strike, and keep their workers as well-paid in the sector.

After 90% of hourly workers turned down the offer, Deere began a strike on October 14. Around 10,000 people are now on strike across fourteen U.S. states.

This strike occurs during U.S. soy and corn harvests, as the farmers have difficulty finding parts for tractor and combine parts.

Keith Chada from the UAW’s committee said that “we care for farmers”, and was there at Ankeny.

“At the end, we want to be in a position to send our kids to college and be able afford to buy the same things as these people.”

Vilsack arrived in an SUV as protesters outside waved white and blue signs declaring that the UAW was on strike. When they passed by, motorists cheered and honked as support.

Vilsack made eye contact with the protesters and then shook hands. He pulled out a lifetime American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees honorary card from his pocket at one point.

Justin Limke (UAW Local 450 vice-president and painter at the plant) said, “It’s a great thing that he came out. It means a lot.”

Vilsack, then-Iowa senator, was still in the lead in Iowa’s 1998 gubernatorial race.

Vilsack stated that the UAW “was with me right from the start.” You don’t forget those who were there for you.”