GM unionized workers ratify new contracts with automaker

In a significant move, the union representing workers at General Motors (GM) has announced that its members have overwhelmingly approved new contracts with the automaker. Unifor, the union, and GM reached a tentative agreement on Aug. 22 for more than 4,600 autoworkers in Ontario. Union members voted on the three-year collective agreements over the weekend and approved them with 80.5 per cent in Oshawa, 96.5 per cent in Ingersoll and 80.5 per cent in St. Catharines.

The tentative labor contracts come with substantial wage increases. Full-rate production members will see their wages rise to $50.20 an hour, while skilled trades workers will see their wages increase to $62.71 an hour. Union officials say the agreements mirror the three-per-cent annual wage increases that GM reached with Ford.

Unifor National President Lana Payne praised the agreements, stating that they commit over $1 billion in investments to Canadian GM facilities. Payne highlighted that GM is making these investments at a crucial time, as the domestic auto industry is facing challenges from the Trump Administration.

GM Canada president and managing director Jack Uppal welcomed the ratification of the agreements. He said the outcome supports employees, strengthens manufacturing operations and provides a solid foundation for GM's future in Canada. In Oshawa, the company announced an additional $144-million investment for next-generation GMC Sierra Heavy-Duty production, building on a previously announced $343-million investment in next-generation truck production and manufacturing enhancements.

At St. Catharines Propulsion, GM is investing $215 million, making the plant the sole source for a next-generation transmission. This investment, combined with a previously announced $691 million for sixth-generation V8 engine production, exceeds $900 million in total investment for the plant.

Despite the positive news, Uppal acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly at the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll, where production has been idled and the majority of members are on indefinite layoff. Unifor has pledged to continue pushing for the return of production at CAMI. GM has designated the plant as the first consideration for Canadian Armed Forces defence work, should that work be awarded to the automaker.

Uppal also highlighted additional investments in Oshawa, including $144 million for next-generation GMC Sierra Heavy-Duty production, while St. Catharines Propulsion will receive a $215 million investment to establish it as the sole source for a next-generation transmission. Combined with a $691 million investment for sixth-generation V8 engine production at St. Catharines, the total investment in the plant surpasses $900 million.

Unifor's General Motors bargaining chair Trevor Longpre emphasized the significance of securing stable auto jobs and a stronger Canadian footprint. However, he noted that the work to bring production back to CAMI is not yet complete. Longpre assured Ingersoll members that the agreement provides a bridge until they can return to work.