GENERAL Motors hourly workers ratified a new contract with the car giant yesterday, ending the longest automotive strike in nearly 50 years.

The package includes an US$11,000 (RM46,000) ratification bonus, wage increases and no hike in healthcare costs, said statements from GM and United Auto Workers (UAW), touting the agreement as a compromise that works for both sides after difficult negotiations.

Nearly 50,000 hourly employees had been on strike since September 16, effectively shutting down GM’s US manufacturing operations.

“GM members have spoken,” said Terry Dittes, director of the UAW-GM Department, praising workers for “their sacrifice and courageous stand” that also won temporary staff a faster pathway to full-time status.

GM also scored key concessions, specifically an agreement that clears the way to permanently shutting four plants, three of which the company defunded last November in a move that enraged the union.

“We delivered a contract that recognises our employees for the important contributions they make to the overall success of the company, with a strong wage-and-benefit package, and additional investment and job growth in our US operations,” said chief executive Mary Barra.

“As one team, we can move forward and stay focused on our priorities of safety and building high-quality cars, trucks and crossovers for our customers.”

Analysts have projected that the strike cost GM US$100 million a day. The work stoppage also dented the economy in key auto manufacturing centres in Michigan and throughout the Midwest due to tens of millions of dollars in lost wages. – AFP, October 26, 2019.