Auto Workers Vote to Approve Contract with General Motors

Laura ClawsonFollowforDaily Kos Labor

UAW workers voted strongly to approve the contract negotiated last week; 65 percent of production workers and 63 percent of skilled trades workers were in favor.

"The UAW and GM entered into this set of bargaining as America struggles with record levels of unemployment and an economy that shows little sign of improvement," said UAW President Bob King.  Because of President Obama's and the American taxpayers' backing of our jobs and our companies, we were determined to work together with GM management to grow jobs in  the U.S. and to get more Americans back to work and we are doing just that.

"With the continued support and solidarity of our members at GM, we stood strong and not only stopped these proposed givebacks, but we made important gains for our members in this contract," King added.

UAW Vice President Joe Ashton, who directs the union's GM Department said, "We are enormously proud of our union and the UAW GM National Negotiating Committee.  In these uncertain economic times, we were able to win an agreement with GM that guarantees good American jobs at a good American company. When GM was down, our members sacrificed and saved GM. Now that GM is posting strong profits, our members, as a result of this agreement, are going to share in the company's success."  

According to the Detroit Free Press:

Just three UAW locals representing 3,400 workers were known to have voted against the contract. GM is planning to brief Wall Street analysts on the details of the deal this afternoon, an indication that management was confident the agreement will be ratified.

Some locals only narrowly approved the contract.

The Free Press also reports that:

At Ford, the UAW is optimistic it can reach an agreement by week’s end. UAW President Bob King and UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles met with the company on Tuesday and bargaining sessions are expected to continue until a deal is reached.

Things are moving rather more slowly at Chrysler, where the most recent contract extension lasts until Oct. 19.