Canadian union Unifor wasted no time in setting its sights on the next bargaining challenge, announcing General Motors (NYSE:GM) as its second "target" in contract talks with the Detroit Three. This strategic move comes just a day after the union successfully ratified a new three-year contract with Ford Motor (NYSE:F), setting a promising pattern for future agreements in Canada's automotive industry.
Unifor had initially designated Ford as its primary "target" to establish the groundwork for the negotiations with all three major automakers. With the ink barely dry on the Ford agreement, Unifor is now gearing up to engage in discussions with General Motors, aiming to secure favorable terms and conditions for its members.
The union reached an agreement with Ford on September 19th. Successfully obtaining wage increases in the double digits, reinstated defined benefit pension plans, and secured one-time bonuses of $10,000 for full-time employees.
The agreement followed a last-minute offer from the company and a 24-hour extension to the strike deadline. Over the course of a weekend, Unifor members cast their votes, with a narrow 54% majority in favor, just meeting the required threshold for ratifying the deal.
Shares of GM are up 1.04% in afternoon trading on Monday.