Judge Limits Deere Strikers   10/21 06:50

   

   DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) -- A judge on Wednesday issued a temporary restraining 
order that details how picketing workers at the Deere & Co. plant in Davenport 
must conduct themselves.

   In seeking the injunction Wednesday, Deere officials alleged that striking 
workers had disrupted access to the Davenport Works plant and put others at 
risk.

   District Court Judge Marlita Greve ordered the union to allow only four 
picketers at a time near the gates of the plant. The order also banned the use 
of chairs and barrel fires, and prohibited picketers from harassing or 
intimidating people entering and leaving the plant, the Quad-City Times 
reported.

   Deere spokeswoman Jen Hartmann said the company sought the injunction to 
provide a safe environment for contractors and employees, including those 
participating in the strike.

   The injunction prohibits picketing or congregating "near the Contractor Gate 
entrance," which is regarded a neutral gate that cannot be picketed, according 
to Deere.

   The United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of 
America went on strike on Oct. 14 after union members overwhelmingly rejected a 
proposed contract. Contract negotiations have resumed.

   U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack met with 
striking workers Wednesday at Deere's plant in Ankeny. Vilsack told the union 
workers that he stood with them, noting the UAW had long supported him in his 
political career, WHO-TV reported.

   A contract would cover 10,000 striking workers at 14 Deere plants, including 
seven in Iowa, four in Illinois and one each in Kansas, Colorado and Georgia.