The labor union representing employees at General Motors has reported a significant majority of its members voting in favor of approving new agreements with the automaker. Unifor and GM reached tentative labor contracts for over 4,600 auto workers in Ontario on August 22, with union members casting their votes over the weekend.
According to a statement released by the union on Sunday, the three-year collective deals entail wage hikes for full-rate production staff to $50.20 per hour and skilled trades workers to $62.71 per hour. Voting results showed an 80.5% approval rate from members in Oshawa, St. Catharines, and Woodstock, while Ingersoll members showed a 96.5% approval.
Negotiations between the union and GM commenced earlier in the month following Unifor’s agreement with Ford. Unifor highlighted that the agreements with GM align with the three-percent annual salary increases established with Ford.
Unifor’s National President, Lana Payne, emphasized that the agreements secure over $1 billion in investments for Canadian GM facilities. Payne underscored the importance of GM’s investments in its skilled Canadian workforce and facilities amid challenges faced by the domestic auto industry from external pressures.
GM Canada President and Managing Director, Jack Uppal, stated that the ratification signifies a positive outcome that supports employees, enhances manufacturing operations, and lays a strong foundation for GM’s future in Canada. The negotiations with GM were described as challenging, particularly with the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll facing production halts and the majority of its workforce on indefinite layoff.
The agreement includes various benefits such as the renewal of a cost-of-living allowance, a $10,000 productivity and quality bonus for eligible members, and a $2,000 December bonus for qualifying members. Trevor Longpre, Unifor’s General Motors bargaining committee chairperson, highlighted the progress made in securing stable auto jobs and reinforcing Canada’s automotive sector.
The agreement comes against the backdrop of trade tensions, with Canada’s auto industry grappling with 25% U.S. tariffs on vehicles. President Donald Trump’s plans to potentially increase these tariffs pose challenges for Canadian auto plants and have become a focal point in the U.S.-Canada trade negotiations.
