Members of the United Auto Workers in Flint, Michigan, have rejected their union’s tentative agreement with General Motors, casting doubt on the overall approval of the deal.
Workers at UAW Local 659 this week voted against ratifying the union’s agreement with GM. According to the union, 52% of production staff at Flint Engine voted to reject the deal.
The rejection comes as thousands of UAW members around the country are voting on ratifying tentative agreements after the union secured deals with the Big Three automakers — GM, Ford and Jeep maker Stellantis.
After nearly six weeks on strike, UAW leaders announced late last month that they had secured concessions from the automakers. Each of the deals offers workers massive pay raises, improved benefits, decreased time to reach top pay and the elimination of employee tiers.
Many workers view the terms of the agreements favorably, but some see them as a compromise. The union’s historic concessions from the automakers are a far cry from the UAW’s stated goals during the strike.
UAW President Shawn Fain had repeatedly demanded 40% pay raises, the reintroduction of pension plans and a reduced four-day workweek. The union did not secure pension plans or a reduced work week, and the pay increases top out at just over 20%.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.
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