Canadian Auto Workers Approve Agreement with GM

16 Oct, 2023

Canadian Auto Workers Approve Agreement with GM

Canadian Autoworkers Approve New Labor Contract with GM

Members of the Canadian union Unifor, representing 4,300 GM workers, ratified a labor contract, averting a resumption of a 13-hour strike. The agreement, which saw an 80% approval, offers nearly 20% base-wage increases and pension improvements. A previous contract vote at Ford had only received 54% approval, raising concerns of a strike.

The strike had the potential to disrupt GM's US plants, reliant on engines and transmissions from Canadian facilities. Unifor was prepared to resume the strike if the deal had been voted down. The narrow Ford vote had made a GM strike a possibility. Meanwhile, the United Auto Workers' strike against Mack Trucks continues after members voted down a tentative agreement.

Unifor members struck GM in three Ontario cities, but the strike ended when a tentative agreement was reached. Unifor National President Lana Payne praised the agreement for bringing fairness and equity to auto workplaces. GM Canada's President Marissa West highlighted the significant increases in wages, benefits, and job security, positioning GM Canada competitively.

Unifor National President Lana Payne expressed her pride in General Motors workers for their unity during the short but impactful strike and the ratification of a contract featuring transformative enhancements. She emphasized that the agreement exemplifies authentic collective bargaining and their primary aim was to enhance equity and fairness in the automotive workplaces, a goal they successfully achieved.

Unifor now aims to secure a similar contract for its members at Stellantis, which produces vehicles for the North American market under brands like Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler.

These Canadian agreements contrast with ongoing strikes against GM, Ford, and Stellantis in the US. Negotiations appear far apart, with potential strike expansions on the horizon, according to UAW President Shawn Fain. Ford executives have stated they've reached the limits of additional offers to reach a deal.