The automaker has agreed to spend an additional $1.9 billion in factory upgrades and expansions at 12 different sites. Most workers will receive $8,000 bonuses for ratifying the contract — twice the signing bonus in the new Fiat Chrysler Automobiles contract — while temporary employees are eligible for a $2,000 payout.
“And we created a foundation to eliminate unequal [two-tier] pay for equal work with wage rates based on the content of the work, with grow-in schedules for each,” UAW leaders wrote in a letter to hourly workers.
All traditional members will receive a three-percent raise the first year and third year, along with a four-percent lump-sum bonus in the second and fourth years of the contract term. Other enhancements include extra holiday time, double-time pay on Sundays and health-care provisions.
“We know from experience that without product investments there is no job or income security and no future growth,” the UAW added in its letter to members. “Not considering the give and take between job security, and good pay and benefits is irresponsible. We believe this proposed agreement achieves both income security and job security.”
The tentative proposal must now be ratified by the tens of thousands of workers at GM plants across the country.
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