Iowa state Sens. Bill Dotzler and Eric Giddens released the following statement in response to the announced layoff of 308 workers at the John Deere Waterloo Works. 

“We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters losing their jobs and livelihoods due to this decision by John Deere,” Iowa state Sen. Bill Dotzler, D-Waterloo, said. 

“These layoffs will have far-reaching consequences for Iowa families and the entire Cedar Valley. The state must step up and support these workers, their families, and our communities,” Iowa state Sen. Eric Giddens, D-Cedar Falls, said. “Iowa’s economy relies on agriculture, and agriculture relies on the machinery and implements built by the hands of these very workers. We must take care of them in their time of need.”

“Once again, Iowa workers are getting the short end of the stick – because of the decisions of Republican politicians in Des Moines,” Dotzler said. “Changes enacted by Republican lawmakers in 2022 eliminated two full months of unemployment benefits for laid off workers. It’s one more way Iowa’s Republican leadership is exacerbating our workforce crisis – not fixing it.” 

Dotzler serves on the Senate Workforce Committee and represents Waterloo. Giddens represents Cedar Falls, Waterloo, and several small communities in southern Black Hawk County.

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