The labor union representing employees at General Motors has announced that its members have overwhelmingly approved new contracts with the automaker. Unifor and GM reached tentative labor agreements on August 22 for over 4,600 autoworkers in Ontario, with union members voting on the contracts over the weekend.
According to a news release by the union on Sunday, the three-year collective agreements include wage increases to $50.20 per hour for full-rate production workers and $62.71 per hour for skilled trades workers. Voting results showed that members in Oshawa, St. Catharines, and Woodstock voted 80.5% in favor, while those in Ingersoll voted 96.5% in support.
Negotiations between Unifor and GM began after an agreement was reached with Ford earlier in the month. Unifor stated that the contracts with GM align with the three-percent annual wage increases 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 that the ratification reflects a commitment to supporting employees, strengthening manufacturing operations, and building a strong foundation for GM’s future in Canada. Despite challenges, negotiations with GM proceeded, notably at the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll where the majority of members are currently on indefinite layoff.
The agreement entails additional investments in various GM facilities. In Oshawa, a $144 million investment will facilitate next-generation GMC Sierra Heavy-Duty production. St. Catharines Propulsion will benefit from a new $215 million investment, establishing it as the exclusive source for a next-generation transmission, in addition to previous investments for V8 engine production.
Other key aspects of the deal 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 eligible members. Trevor Longpre, Unifor’s General Motors bargaining committee chairperson, highlighted the progress made in securing stable auto jobs and enhancing the Canadian footprint.
The agreements come amid a backdrop of trade tensions, with Canada’s auto sector facing challenges such as U.S. tariffs on vehicles. The fate of Canadian auto plants has become a central issue in trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada. U.S. automakers had hoped for relief from tariffs impacting vehicle and parts shipments across the border. GM’s production, including the Chevrolet Silverado pickup-truck, is significantly affected by these tariffs.
