Ultium Members Ratify EV Industry-Standard Contract - UAW
Editorial StaffThe Facts -
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- UAW Local 1112 members at Ultium Cells ratified a historic contract with a 98% approval rate.
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- The contract includes a 30% raise over three years for workers, an instant $3,000 bonus, and improved health and safety measures.
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- The agreement with Ultium sets a standard for the EV industry, providing a model for other EV plants nationwide.
Historic Ultium Contract Ratified by UAW Members Setting a New EV Industry Standard
UAW Local 1112 members have given an overwhelming approval to their groundbreaking contract at Ultium Cells, a manufacturer of battery cells for GM electric vehicles. The contract, ratified by 98% of the members, introduces strong wages, excellent benefits, and unprecedented health and safety protections, setting a new benchmark for the electric vehicle (EV) industry.
An inspiring video highlighting the contract victory has been released by the UAW today. It features Ultium workers sharing their sentiments, and the media have been given access to the footage.
Ultium worker Donald Bevly shared, “The contract allows me to progress in life rather than living paycheck to paycheck.” Fellow Ultium worker Chris Wyatt added, “This sets a precedent that can be built on. It's a guideline that every other EV plant can adhere to.”
Before the workers organized with the UAW in late 2022, they earned only $16.50 per hour when Ultium opened in 2021. However, their determination resulted in them coming under the GM national agreement during the Stand Up Strike.
By October 2027, Ultium production workers will earn $35 an hour, reflecting a 112% increase since joining the UAW. Key features of the contract include a 30% pay raise over three years for production workers, an immediate $3,000 bonus, and the presence of four full-time union health and safety representatives and a full-time union industrial hygienist at the plant.
Another Ultium facility is set to begin operations in Spring Hill, Tennessee, while numerous battery plants that will employ thousands of workers are being established nationwide. The Ultium contract serves as a strong precedent for these upcoming developments in the EV industry.
For more information about the contract, you can visit the UAW website.
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