The labor union representing employees at General Motors has announced that its members have overwhelmingly voted to approve new contracts with the company. Unifor and GM reached tentative labor agreements on August 22 for over 4,600 auto workers in Ontario, with union members voting on the agreements over the 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 members and $62.71 per hour for skilled trades workers. The voting results showed that members in Oshawa, St. Catharines, and Woodstock favored the agreements by 80.5%, while those in Ingersoll supported them by 96.5%.
The negotiations between the union and the automaker commenced earlier in the month following Unifor’s agreement with Ford. According to the union, the agreements with GM align with the three-percent annual wage increments established with Ford. Unifor National President Lana Payne emphasized that the agreements entail over $1 billion in investments for Canadian GM facilities.
GM Canada President and Managing Director Jack Uppal expressed in a statement that the ratification signifies a positive outcome that supports employees, enhances manufacturing operations, and lays a robust foundation for GM’s future in Canada. Despite facing challenges, including halted production at the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll and a majority of members on indefinite layoff, Unifor affirmed its commitment to advocating for production resumption at CAMI Assembly.
The ratified deal includes various benefits such as 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 fortifying the Canadian automotive industry.
The agreement comes against the backdrop of trade tensions, as Canada’s auto sector grapples with existing 25% U.S. tariffs on vehicles, with a potential increase to 50% in January 2027. These trade dynamics have significant implications for Canadian auto plants and remain a focal point in U.S.-Canada trade negotiations. U.S. automakers had anticipated relief from the tariffs in the talks, which ended without resolution on crucial issues concerning duty cuts on essential vehicles for Canadian factories.