John Deere Recalls 1,000 Workers Across Midwest Facilities
The company is bringing back hundreds of laid-off employees and hiring new staff to address production and labor goals.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Jobs — General
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John Deere is expanding its workforce by recalling over 300 laid-off employees and hiring more than 400 new staff members across its Midwest operations. This move brings the total number of workers recalled by the company since 2024 to 1,000.
Why it matters
The workforce expansion is intended to help the company meet customer needs across various operating environments. Additionally, the increase in personnel is designed to assist with future labor negotiations.
The initiative includes bringing back more than 275 workers to Waterloo operations and 60 to East Moline's Harvester Works. Approximately 125 employees currently remain on layoff status in the Des Moines area.
The players
John Deere
John Deere is a global manufacturer of agricultural, construction, and forestry machinery headquartered in Moline, Illinois.
The details
The rehiring process covers multiple facilities across Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas, including locations in Moline, Milan, Davenport, Dubuque, Ottumwa, and Coffeyville. All previously laid-off employees in Waterloo, the Quad Cities, Ottumwa, and Dubuque have been asked to return to work.
Timeline
John Deere began the employee recall process in 2024.
This report was published on October 30, 2026.
The remaining recalls and new hires are scheduled for the coming months.
Market Landscape
This workforce adjustment follows the principles of the National Labor Relations Act as the company balances production demands with organized labor requirements. It signals a shift toward stabilizing operations amid broader industry labor negotiations.
For job seekers in the Midwest, these open roles present new employment opportunities in the manufacturing sector. Current customers may see increased product availability as the company ramps up its production capacity.
The takeaway
The company is focusing on scaling its labor force to align with both immediate production requirements and long-term bargaining strategies. This move highlights how major manufacturers adapt their staffing levels in response to fluctuating market conditions and industrial relations.
Further reading
Learn more about national workforce trends by visiting the Jobs — General section.
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