UAW rank-and-file ratify contract with GM.

[RandySF]

In the final tally, 65 percent of production workers and 63 percent of skilled trade workers voted in favor of the deal, ratifying a tentative agreement struck two weeks ago by GM and UAW bargainers. The new contract becomes effective immediately.

"The UAW and GM entered into this set of bargaining as America struggles with record levels of unemployment and an economy that shows little sign of improvement," said UAW President Bob King in a statement released Wednesday morning.

Among those approving the deal were some of the UAW's largest locals representing assembly plants in Fort Wayne, Ind., Lordstown, Ohio, and Fairfax, Kan.

Only three locals are known to have opposed the pact: Lansing Delta Township, Indianapolis Stamping and Willow Run Distribution Center....


In all, 48,500 workers from 81 locals got a chance to vote on the contract, which along with providing new jobs and more work for UAW members, boosts the entry level pay by about $3 an hour, offers $75,000 buyouts for skilled trade, and includes a $5,000 signing bonus and $4,000 in "inflation protection" lump sums to be paid out annually.


http://detnews.com/article/20110928/AUTO01/109280406/GM--UAW-approve-4-year-contract#ixzz1ZGZUCt3c