The labor union representing employees at General Motors has announced that its members have overwhelmingly voted in favor of approving new contracts with the automobile manufacturer. Unifor and GM reached tentative labor agreements on August 22 for over 4,600 auto workers in Ontario, with union members casting their votes over the weekend.
According to a news release by the union on Sunday, the three-year collective contracts include wage increases to $50.20 per hour for full-rate production workers and $62.71 per hour for skilled trades workers. Members in Oshawa, St. Catharines, and Woodstock supported the agreements with an 80.5% approval rate, while Ingersoll members showed a 96.5% approval.
Negotiations between Unifor and GM commenced earlier this month following the agreement reached with Ford. The union stated that the agreements with GM align with the three-percent annual wage hikes agreed upon with Ford. Unifor National President Lana Payne emphasized that the agreements secure over $1 billion in investments for Canadian GM facilities.
GM Canada President and Managing Director, Jack Uppal, expressed satisfaction with the ratification, emphasizing that the outcome supports employees, strengthens manufacturing operations, and lays a solid foundation for GM’s future in Canada. The negotiations with GM were held amidst challenging circumstances, with production halted at the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll and most members facing indefinite layoff.
Uppal highlighted specific investments, such as $144 million for next-generation GMC Sierra Heavy-Duty production in Oshawa and a $215 million investment in St. Catharines Propulsion for a next-generation transmission. Unifor also announced the renewal of a cost-of-living allowance, a $10,000 productivity and quality bonus, and a $2,000 December bonus for eligible members.
The agreement represents a significant step in securing stable auto jobs and a stronger Canadian presence, according to Trevor Longpre, Unifor’s General Motors bargaining chairperson. However, efforts to resume production at the CAMI Assembly Plant remain ongoing.
Amidst a backdrop of trade tensions, Canada’s auto sector faces challenges with the imposition of 25% U.S. duties on vehicles, with potential increases to 50% by January 1, 2027. The fate of Canadian auto plants has become a pivotal issue in U.S.-Canada trade negotiations, with unresolved matters including duty cuts on critical vehicles for Canadian factories.
