UAW autoworkers have officially ratified a new four-year contract with the “Big Three” automakers in the United States, according to a statement from the United Auto Workers union.
The contract, which was negotiated over several months, was approved by 54 percent of the union’s bargaining committee and then ratified by 92 percent of UAW members. It will impact those working at General Motors, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler.
The new agreement includes wage increases of 3 percent in the first and third years, with 4 percent raises in the second and fourth years. It also includes entry-level bonuses, a $60,000 ratification bonus for all full-time employees, and improved health care plans with increased spending for preventive care and mental health services.
Additionally, the contract includes provisions to curb the use of temporary workers, and improved job security guarantees for legacy workers and for those on GM’s in-house staff.
The union believes that the new contract will help create thousands of jobs in the U.S. auto industry, and will provide improved wages and working conditions for its members. The ratification of the new agreement marks the end of months of negotiations between UAW and the automakers.
