It was a long and contentious battle, but General Motors Union Workers have ratified a newly negotiated agreement between the United Automobile Workers and the car manufacturer. After weeks of negotiations, Members of the UAW overwhelmingly voted for ratification of the contract despite a tight turnout.
The agreement itself wass quite stunning considering how much the two parties have differed in recent years. As part of the deal, GM will offer its workers an 8-year career progressions (CPR) system to better ensure job security. It also includes a staggering pay raise, doubling entry-level wages and improving retirement benefits for the union’s nearly 50,000 active employees. Moreover, any future job cuts must be reinvested at GM U.S. plants and within the communities where plants are located.
Although the agreement was accepted by the majority of the union’s members, it was met with hostility from some employees. They argued that the agreement was too lenient on GM and that the company had taken advantage of the union’s weakened position in recent negotiations. In particular, there were concerns from the union’s skilled trades members who felt that the agreement did not properly enhance their job security or pay.
Despite the criticism, the UAW is hopeful that the agreement will serve to strengthen its relationship with GM, one of the most important employers in the country. It remains to be seen just how successful the agreement will be in improving the long-term stability of both the union and GM, but it is clear that the UAW has done all it can to ensure a secure future for its members.
The ratification of the UAW-GM agreement marks a rare success story in a tense showdown between unions and major corporations. Although the agreement was not all that the union had hoped for, it is confirmation that the UAW is resolute in its mission to protect and represent its members in the automotive industry.
It was a long and contentious battle, but General Motors Union Workers have ratified a newly negotiated agreement between the United Automobile Workers and the car manufacturer. After weeks of negotiations, Members of the UAW overwhelmingly voted for ratification of the contract despite a tight turnout.
The agreement itself wass quite stunning considering how much the two parties have differed in recent years. As part of the deal, GM will offer its workers an 8-year career progressions (CPR) system to better ensure job security. It also includes a staggering pay raise, doubling entry-level wages and improving retirement benefits for the union’s nearly 50,000 active employees. Moreover, any future job cuts must be reinvested at GM U.S. plants and within the communities where plants are located.
Although the agreement was accepted by the majority of the union’s members, it was met with hostility from some employees. They argued that the agreement was too lenient on GM and that the company had taken advantage of the union’s weakened position in recent negotiations. In particular, there were concerns from the union’s skilled trades members who felt that the agreement did not properly enhance their job security or pay.
Despite the criticism, the UAW is hopeful that the agreement will serve to strengthen its relationship with GM, one of the most important employers in the country. It remains to be seen just how successful the agreement will be in improving the long-term stability of both the union and GM, but it is clear that the UAW has done all it can to ensure a secure future for its members.
The ratification of the UAW-GM agreement marks a rare success story in a tense showdown between unions and major corporations. Although the agreement was not all that the union had hoped for, it is confirmation that the UAW is resolute in its mission to protect and represent its members in the automotive industry.
