“UAW Autoworkers Vote ‘YES!’ for New Contract – Union Celebrates!

On October 25, 2020, the United Auto Workers (UAW) officially ratified a new four-year contract with the Big Three automakers in the United States. The new contract will replace the current one which was set to expire in September 2021. The terms of the agreement were settled after seven weeks of negotiations, and the contract received overwhelming support from UAW members. Over 62 percent of members who cast ballots supported the new contract, which UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada said “secures the best wages, benefits, and working conditions for our members “in the industry. The deal includes wage increases for all workers, a $9,000 signing bonus, and a new company-paid tuition and training program. The contract additionally ensures that laid-off workers receive superior pay and benefits and that open jobs be staffed by workers with the most seniority. Overall, the new contract is a major victory for UAW members. It not only ensures better wages and benefits, but it secures job security for current and future workers and promotes upward mobility. The new contract marks a dramatic shift from the bitter strikes of 2018, when UAW members and the automakers were unable to reach agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement. This latest agreement illustrates the headway that can be made through negotiations and peaceful dialogue. The UAW’s successful ratification of the new contract is essential not only to their members, but for the entire auto industry. It sets a positive example for future labor-management negotiations and provides a secured future for American auto workers.