The United Auto Workers and General Motors have finally reached an agreement to end the historic 50-day strike that rocked the United States’ manufacturing sector. After over a month of negotiations, the two parties came to a tentative agreement that would create better wages and benefits for UAW members, as well as ratify a new labor contract.
The strike, which at one point included over forty thousand workers walking out of GM plants across the country, was the longest auto workers’ strike in forty-five years. It was a result of the UAW wanting to improve upon a contract that has been in place since 2015. After weeks of tough bargaining, the two sides came to a tentative deal that would involve raises over the length of the new four-year contract, additional profit sharing, and an opportunity for temporary workers to outline a path to full-time employment. Additionally, local leaders have negotiated at least $460 million in investment to save and create jobs.
The deal will now go to a ratification process. If accepted, it will set the stage for better working conditions for the auto workers employed by GM. It is also expected to be a template for other negotiations between the UAW and the other major auto companies.
The resolution of this strike shows just how powerful organized labor can be when it comes to economic justice. This strike was a testament to the strength of this union and its commitment to fight for better wages, benefits, and working conditions for its members. This deal will be a victory for the United Auto Workers and their efforts to make Auto workplaces better for all.
