Briefs: Ford workers agree to deal

DETROIT -- The United Auto Workers union said Wednesday its members ratified the new labor contract with Ford Motor Co. that clears the way for the automaker to shift its retiree health-care liabilities to a trust fund. The UAW said 79 percent of its membership voted for the new Ford contract that was reached on Nov. 3. The UAW has now completed new labor deals with all three U.S. automakers.

IRS seeks those in need of refunds

CHICAGO -- The Internal Revenue Service is looking for 4,228 Illinois taxpayers who are due refund checks worth more than $4 million. The checks were returned to the IRS as undeliverable. The average refund check is worth about $947. Taxpayers can find out if they have an undelivered tax refund by visiting www.irs.gov and clicking on "Where's My Refund." Taxpayers can also call (800) 829-1954. Taxpayers can ensure the IRS has their correct address by filing Form 8822. The form is available on the IRS Web site or by calling (800) 829-3676.

John Deere OKs 2-for-1 stock split

MOLINE -- Farm equipment-maker Deere & Co. said Wednesday its shareholders authorized a 2-for-1 common stock split -- the company's first split in 12 years. Moline-based Deere's shares closed at $147.10 Wednesday. Shareholders who own Deere stock as of Nov. 26 will benefit from the split. The move will increase the number of common Deere shares to 1.2 billion. Deere's last stock split, a 3-for-1 split, was in 1995. Company shares were as high as $160.30 earlier this month, 19 cents shy of their 52-week high.

Picketers protest at Cadillac Hyundai

SCHAUMBURG -- Eight automotive technicians walked off the job Tuesday and were picketing the Patrick Hyundai in Schaumburg on Wednesday. The automobile Mechanics Union Local 701 said they've been without a contract since June. The Patrick Dealer Group has dealerships in Schaumburg and Naperville. Patrick Hyundai officials said its repair department is still operating.