The labor union representing General Motors workers has announced that its members have overwhelmingly approved new contracts with the automaker. Unifor and GM reached tentative 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 from the union on Sunday, the three-year collective agreements include wage increases to $50.20 per hour for full-rate production members and $62.71 per hour for skilled trades workers. Members in Oshawa, St. Catharines, and Woodstock favored the agreements with an 80.5% approval rate, while members in Ingersoll showed a strong 96.5% support.
The negotiations between Unifor and GM commenced earlier this month following Unifor’s agreement with Ford. Unifor stated that the agreements with GM align with the three-percent annual wage increases agreed upon with Ford. Unifor National President Lana Payne highlighted that over $1 billion in investments have been committed to Canadian GM facilities.
GM Canada President and Managing Director, Jack Uppal, expressed that the ratification of the contracts will benefit employees, enhance manufacturing operations, and set a sturdy foundation for GM’s future in Canada. Unifor mentioned the challenging circumstances under which negotiations with GM took place, particularly at the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll, where most members are on indefinite layoff.
Uppal disclosed that additional investments will be made in Oshawa and St. Catharines facilities, focusing on next-generation production lines. Unifor emphasized that the deal includes the renewal of a cost-of-living allowance, productivity and quality bonuses, and a December bonus for eligible members.
Trevor Longpre, Unifor’s General Motors bargaining chairperson, emphasized the progress made in securing stable auto jobs and reinforcing the Canadian automotive sector. The ongoing efforts to resume production at CAMI Assembly were underscored, with Ingersoll members serving as a bridge until full operations resume. The agreements come against the backdrop of escalating trade tensions, with Canada’s auto sector facing challenges from U.S. tariffs and trade negotiations.
