Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) has urged Deere & Co. to focus on retaining American jobs following recent layoffs and the company’s decision to shift some manufacturing operations to Mexico. In a letter to CEO John May, Rubio expressed concern over the layoffs of over 800 workers in Illinois and Iowa, emphasizing the negative impact on U.S. communities. Deere has laid off 15% of its U.S. wage workers, with over 2,000 jobs lost in the past year alone. Deere’s move to Mexico, part of broader cost-cutting efforts, has sparked criticism and raised concerns about increased unemployment and the loss of skilled labor in affected areas. Deere cites declining market demand and rising costs as reasons for the shift. Link to Rubio release and copy of letter.
Rubio mentions that the company spent $7.2 billion on stock buybacks last year, which he calculates as an average of $3.6 million per worker laid off. Additionally, Rubio underscores the need for a strong manufacturing sector in the U.S. to support agricultural self-sufficiency and leadership, urging John Deere to recommit to its American workforce and the families that depend on them.
Rubio’s interest in the Midwest company Deere & Co., despite representing Florida, can be attributed to several broader concerns that transcend regional boundaries:
• National economic impact: Rubio’s focus on Deere & Co. is part of a larger concern about the outsourcing of American jobs and the impact on the U.S. manufacturing sector. John Deere is a significant player in the agricultural machinery industry, and its decision to relocate jobs to Mexico highlights broader issues of job loss and economic impact on American communities.
• Rubio has been vocal about the need for American companies to prioritize domestic workers and maintain a strong manufacturing base in the U.S., which he sees as crucial for national economic stability and self-sufficiency.
• Policy and legislative interests: Rubio has shown a consistent interest in policies that protect American workers across various industries, not just those in his home state. His involvement with Deere & Co. aligns with his legislative efforts to prevent offshoring and to create incentives for companies to retain jobs within the U.S. This is evident in his previous initiatives, such as the “Putting American Autoworkers First Act,” aimed at discouraging automakers from offshoring jobs.
• Symbolic importance: John Deere is an iconic American brand, and its actions have symbolic significance in the debate over globalization and the future of American manufacturing. Rubio’s engagement with the company reflects a broader political narrative about preserving American jobs and industries in the face of global economic pressures.