UAW autoworkers officially ratified new contract, union says
United Auto Workers (UAW) members have officially ratified a new four-year contract with General Motors, the union announced on Friday.
The contract was approved by 57 percent of the members who voted, the union said in a statement. The contract adds $11,000 to their pay and includes a pathway for temporary workers to become permanent. It also limits the use of temporary workers and gives GM workers annual wage increases and lump-sum payments.
“Today, UAW members have taken a great step forward, not just for themselves but for their families and all American workers,” UAW President Dennis Williams said in the statement.
The new contract is expected to set a precedent for the union’s negotiations with Ford and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The union is currently in negotiations with Fiat Chrysler, and talks between the UAW and Ford are expected to start shortly.