The labor union representing employees at General Motors has announced that its members have overwhelmingly voted to approve new agreements with the automaker. Unifor and GM reached tentative labor deals on August 22 for over 4,600 auto workers in Ontario, with union members casting their votes over the weekend.
According to a statement released by the union on Sunday, the newly ratified three-year collective contracts will raise wages for full-rate production workers to $50.20 per hour and skilled trades employees to $62.71 per hour. The voting results showed that members in Oshawa, St. Catharines, and Woodstock supported the agreements by 80.5%, while those in Ingersoll voted in favor by 96.5%.
Negotiations between Unifor and GM commenced earlier this month following the union’s agreement with Ford. Unifor highlighted that the agreements with GM align with the three percent annual wage increases agreed upon with Ford. Unifor National President Lana Payne emphasized that these agreements secure over $1 billion in investments for Canadian GM facilities.
GM Canada President and Managing Director, Jack Uppal, expressed that the ratification signifies a positive outcome that backs employees, fortifies manufacturing operations, and establishes a solid groundwork for GM’s future in Canada. Unifor mentioned that talks with GM faced challenges due to the idled production at the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll and the majority of workers there being on indefinite layoff.
The union affirmed its commitment to advocate for the resumption of production at CAMI Assembly and highlighted that GM has designated it as the primary consideration plant for Canadian Armed Forces defense work if awarded to GM. The agreements also include 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 workers.
Trevor Longpre, Unifor’s General Motors bargaining chairperson, emphasized the significant advances made in securing stable auto jobs and reinforcing the Canadian presence. Longpre emphasized that efforts to bring production back to CAMI are ongoing, ensuring a bridge for Ingersoll members until CAMI workers return.
