The labor union representing employees at General Motors has announced that its members have overwhelmingly voted to approve new contracts with the automaker. Unifor and GM reached tentative labor agreements on August 22 for over 4,600 auto workers in Ontario, with union members casting their votes over the weekend.

In a statement released on Sunday, the union disclosed that the three-year collective agreements include pay raises for full-rate production workers to $50.20 per hour and skilled trades workers to $62.71 per hour. Members in Oshawa, St. Catharines, and Woodstock voted 80.5% in favor, while those in Ingersoll showed 96.5% support.

Negotiations between the union and GM commenced after Unifor finalized an agreement with Ford, with the union noting that the terms with GM align with the three percent annual wage increases agreed upon with Ford. Unifor National President Lana Payne emphasized that the agreements secure over $1 billion in investments for 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 solid foundation for GM’s future in Canada. The negotiations with GM were described as challenging, particularly with production halted at the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll.

Unifor vowed to continue advocating for production to resume at CAMI Assembly, highlighting that GM identified it as the primary site for potential Canadian Armed Forces defense work. Additional investments were announced for Oshawa and St. Catharines facilities to boost production capabilities.

Furthermore, the deal includes the renewal of a cost-of-living allowance, a productivity and quality bonus, and a December bonus for eligible members. Unifor’s General Motors bargaining chairperson, Trevor Longpre, emphasized the progress made in securing stable auto jobs and a stronger Canadian presence, particularly in the ongoing effort to reinstate production at CAMI.

Amidst the backdrop of trade tensions, Canada’s auto sector faces challenges, including U.S. tariffs on vehicles. The fate of Canadian auto plants has become a pivotal issue in stalled U.S.-Canada trade negotiations, with concerns raised over potential tariff increases and their impact on the industry.