The labor union representing employees at General Motors has announced a significant majority vote in favor of approving new agreements with the automaker. Unifor and GM reached tentative labor deals on August 22 for over 4,600 auto workers in Ontario, with union members voting on the agreements over the past weekend.
In a press release on Sunday, the union disclosed that 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 employees. Members in Oshawa, St. Catharines, and Woodstock supported the agreements by 80.5%, while those in Ingersoll showed a 96.5% approval rate.
Negotiations between Unifor and GM commenced after Unifor sealed an agreement with Ford, with the union noting that the wage increases align with those at 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, stating that the outcome supports employees, reinforces manufacturing operations, and lays a robust foundation for GM’s future in Canada. The negotiations with GM were described as challenging, especially with the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll facing production halts and most members there on indefinite layoff.
Uppal outlined investments earmarked for Oshawa and St. Catharines facilities, emphasizing GM’s commitment to supporting employees during assessments for potential opportunities. Unifor highlighted additional benefits within the deal, including a cost-of-living allowance, bonuses for eligible members, and progress in securing stable auto jobs and a stronger Canadian presence.
The agreement comes against the backdrop of a trade war, with Canada’s auto sector contending with U.S. tariffs that could escalate to 50% in 2027. The fate of Canadian auto plants has become a pivotal issue in the ongoing U.S.-Canada trade negotiations, affecting the operations of automakers like GM.