The labor union representing General Motors employees 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.
In a press release on Sunday, the union stated that the three-year collective agreements include wage increases, raising the hourly rate for full-rate production members to $50.20 and skilled trades workers to $62.71. The voting results showed strong support from members, with those in Oshawa, St. Catharines, and Woodstock voting 80.5% in favor, and Ingersoll members showing a 96.5% approval rate.
Negotiations between Unifor and GM commenced earlier this month following Unifor’s agreement with Ford, with the union highlighting that the agreements with GM align with the three-percent annual wage increases secured with Ford. Unifor National President Lana Payne emphasized that the agreements entail over $1 billion in investments in Canadian GM facilities.
GM Canada President and Managing Director Jack Uppal expressed satisfaction with the ratification, stating that the outcome supports employees, enhances manufacturing operations, and lays a strong foundation for GM’s future in Canada. The negotiations with GM occurred amid challenging circumstances, including idled production at the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll and the majority of members there on indefinite layoff.
Unifor pledged to continue advocating for production to resume at CAMI Assembly and noted that GM designated it as the primary consideration for Canadian Armed Forces defense work if awarded to GM. The agreements also include a cost-of-living allowance renewal, 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 chairperson, highlighted the progress made in securing stable auto jobs and a stronger Canadian presence. However, Longpre emphasized that efforts to restore production at CAMI are ongoing, stating that the agreement provides a bridge for Ingersoll members until CAMI workers return to work.
The agreements come against the backdrop of a trade war, with Canada’s auto sector facing challenges due to U.S. tariffs on vehicles. The fate of Canadian auto plants has become a central issue in stalled U.S.-Canada trade negotiations, with unresolved matters including duty cuts on critical vehicles for Canadian factories. U.S. automakers had hoped for relief from tariffs affecting vehicle and parts shipments across the border, with GM’s production in Canada impacted by the tariffs.