UAW says GM up next to negotiate new U.S. autoworker contract

The United Auto Workers said Thursday it will try to negotiate its next deal with General Motors Co. after Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV ratified a four-year contract. The new pact, which the UAW announced earlier Thursday had been ratified, will be used as a basic pattern for the deals the union will attempt to reach first with GM and later with Ford Motor Co. UAW members at Fiat Chrysler’s U.S. factories voted 77 per cent in favour of the agreement, the union said. The contract covers 40,000 workers at 23 U.S. factories. It was the second time in a month that Fiat Chrysler workers voted on a contract. A previous deal was soundly rejected largely because it didn’t eliminate a much- hated two-tiered pay system. The new agreement gives raises to all workers and eliminates the two tiers over eight years. Under the new agreement, workers with four or more years of experience will make the top US$29 hourly wage within four years; workers with less experience would make between US$22.50 and US$28 in four years and top wages in eight years. Reuters and The Associated Press