John Deere layoffs began on Friday

Hundreds of people lost their jobs Friday at two John Deere plants in Eastern Iowa. Iowa’s WARN website reports as of Friday, 310 people between Dubuque and Davenport are out of a job from the mass layoffs across the state. The WARN website says the notice to employees about these layoffs at both plants was back in June. Ninety-nine employees have been let go from the plant in Dubuque, and 211 employees were let go from the plant in Davenport. Deere says its sales have dropped 20 percent and cuts are required across the company. However, in its third quarter, Deere beat earnings expectations following layoffs, reporting a net income of $1.7 billion. The next round of Eastern Iowa John Deere Layoffs are on Sept. 20, and 300 at the Waterloo plant will lose their jobs.