Auto journalist analyzes UAW-GM pact

No details were released, but the contract is expected to mirror deals reached with General Motors and Fiat Chrysler.

The move comes as workers at GM finish up voting on their own contract Friday with members at most of the company’s major assembly factories and components plants casting ballots in favor of the deal. Fiat Chrysler workers ultimately approved a sweeter deal than originally anticipated.

Union officials from dozens of Ford factories and facilities across the country are scheduled to be briefed on the deal Monday in Detroit.

But since then, the union’s leadership has been lobbying members hard, telling them that a rejected deal could lead to a strike at GM and possibly a deal that’s worse for them.

Volkswagen argues that the 162 “skilled trades” workers shouldn’t be allowed to negotiate union agreements separately from the remaining 1,200-member production team.

In addition, 65 per cent of 1,400 workers at an adjacent parts stamping plant voted in favour, says local President Robert Morales. That plant that makes the Chevrolet Traverse and other SUVs.

UAW President Dennis Williams had promised – and won – richer benefits from GM, which is a bigger and wealthier company than FCA. Under the new agreement, workers with four or more years of experience will make the top $29 hourly wage within four years; workers with less experience would make between $22.50 and $28 in four years and top wages in eight years. Hale also warned that GM had vowed it would pull back on promises to invest $1.9 billion in its USA plants if members there went on strike.

The GM agreement secures pay raises, pledges for new factory investments and an $8,000 signing bonus paid out to members if the deal is ratified.