Unionized GM workers vote to ratify new agreements with automaker

Members of the Unifor union at General Motors have overwhelmingly approved new contracts with the automaker, approving three-year agreements that boost wages for full-rate production workers to $50.20 per hour and skilled trades workers to $62.71 per hour, according to a news release. The ratification vote, held over the weekend, saw 80.5% of Oshawa members, 96.5% of St. Catharines members, and 96.5% of Woodstock members supporting the agreements.

Talks between Unifor and GM began earlier this month following a similar agreement with Ford, and the union claims its contracts mirror Ford's with an annual wage increase of three percent. Unifor National President Lana Payne emphasized that the agreements commit over $1 billion to Canadian GM facilities, highlighting GM's investment in its highly skilled workforce and facilities during a critical time for the domestic auto industry.

GM Canada president and managing director Jack Uppal stated that the ratification ensures the company's commitment to its employees, improves manufacturing operations, and provides a solid foundation for GM's future in Canada. Unifor highlighted that negotiations took place amidst challenging circumstances, including the idled CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll, with many members facing indefinite layoffs.

The union remains committed to pushing for the plant's production revival and has designated it as the first choice for Canadian Armed Forces defence work. GM has pledged substantial investments in Oshawa and St. Catharines, with $144 million bringing next-generation GMC Sierra Heavy-Duty production, $215 million establishing the plant as the sole supplier for a next-generation transmission at St. Catharines, and a combined $691 million investment for sixth-generation V8 engine production.