TORONTO-Unifor members at General Motors have voted overwhelmingly to approve contracts that secure new products and investments, while also providing wage and benefit enhancements in line with the union’s pattern agreement.
“These agreements commit more than one billion dollars in essential investments to Canadian GM facilities, including a new single source next-generation transmission at the St. Catharines Propulsion Plant and bringing back next-generation Heavy-Duty GMC Sierra production to Oshawa,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “GM is investing in its skilled Canadian workforce and facilities at a critical time when our domestic auto industry faces challenges from the Trump Administration.”
The negotiations with GM were conducted under tough conditions, as the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll, Ontario was idled and most members were on indefinite layoff.
The union emphasized that it will keep advocating for production to resume at CAMI Assembly. GM has committed to explore opportunities for the CAMI facility and designated it as the first choice for any potential Canadian Armed Forces defence work if awarded to General Motors. The agreement also extends the Income Maintenance Plan for eligible laid-off members until May 2028.
“I want to thank the negotiating team for their dedication in reaching this tentative agreement that offers solid benefits for our members during this tumultuous time for our industry,” said GM Master Bargaining Chairperson Trevor Longpre. “We made important strides towards securing good, stable auto jobs and strengthening Canada’s presence, but we still need to work on bringing production back to CAMI. This agreement provides our Ingersoll members a bridge until they can return to work.”
The three-year collective agreement follows the 3% annual wage increases set by Unifor with Ford Motor Company as part of their Detroit Three pattern agreement. The contract raises wages for full-rate production members to $50.20/hour and Skilled Trades workers to $62.71/hour throughout its duration.
The new contracts affect over 4,600 Unifor members across GM Ontario locations in Oshawa, St. Catharines, Woodstock (the “GMCC” agreement), and at the GM Assembly Plant in Ingersoll (the “CAMI” agreement).
Unifor members covered by the GMCC Agreement voted 80.5% in favor of it. Those under the GM CAMI Agreement supported it by 96.5%.
Key highlights include:
• C$144 million allocated for adding next-generation Heavy-Duty GMC Sierra truck assembly at Oshawa Assembly.
• C$215 million dedicated to assembling next-generation transmissions in St. Catharines, expected to start by late 2029.
• Previous commitments of C$691 million supporting sixth generation V8 engine manufacturing in St. Catharines along with $63 million allocated for stamping and CCA upgrades in Oshawa included within this collective agreement.
• Plans established to reduce layoffs at Oshawa Assembly.
• Renewal of Cost of Living Allowance.
• $10,000 Productivity and Quality bonus available for eligible members.
• $2,000 December Bonus provided for eligible members.
• Increase in Retirees Universal Healthcare Allowance payments plus extending benefits to surviving spouses.
View the Master and Local Bargaining brochures here.
For more information visit Autotalks. ca.
Unifor is Canada’s largest private sector union representing 320,000 workers across every major economic sector. The union stands up for all workers’ rights, advocates equality and social justice both domestically and internationally, striving towards progressive change aimed at creating a better future.
For media inquiries or interview arrangements please contact Unifor Communications Representative Kathleen O’Keefe at @email or via cell at (416) 896-3303.
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