against Detroit carmakers was protection for autoworkers affected by the historic shift to electric vehicles .The tentative agreements struck with Ford, Stellantis and General Motors would ensure that people who build engines and transmissions today will still earn top union wages making EV batteries and components in the future.
While GM didn't fight a union organizing drive at the plant, it insisted that because Ultium Cells was a joint venture with South Korea's LG Energy Solution, workers would need to negotiate a separate contract.from a group of U.S. senators, Ultium Cells in August agreed to an interim wage hike to about $20 an hour while contract negotiations continued.
Workers will also benefit from the agreement's strong health and safety standards — vital in a workplace with chemicals and other hazardous materials."The significance of this cannot be overstated," UAW president Shawn Fain said in an online video announcing the GM deal.