Ford is now the focus of attention.

General Motors and The United Auto Workers Union have ended their strike. According to The Detroit News, UAW-GM members voted by a narrow 57 per cent margin to ratify the tentative arrangement last week. The GM strike was the longest in almost 50 years. However, 43 percent of members voted against the agreement.

Deal or no deal:

In September, 48,000 hourly GM GM employees quit the job due to concerns about wages, health care, job security, job security, and temporary workers gaining full-time status. The deal included wage increases, a $11,000 bonus, and a faster path for temporary workers to full-time jobs. The company’s out-of-pocket healthcare costs for employees are among the lowest in the United States. The job security issue was the main problem, particularly in light of recent GM plant closings. Only one location, the Hamtramck facility in Detroit, received new allocations.

The Detroit News reports that this final agreement is not much different than the one GM presented to the UAW. The resulting 40-day strike cost GM an estimated $2 billion in profits. Some hourly workers may be able to return to work as soon as Saturday after the contract was officially ratified.

Terry Dittes (UAW vice president, director of UAW-GM Department), said that “General Motors members had spoken.” UAW-GM members have captured the hearts and minds a nation, which is something we are all extremely proud of. Their courage and sacrifice addressed the two-tier wage structure and permanent temporary worker classifications that have plagued working-class Americans.

Now, the UAW turns its attention towards Ford. This contract deadline is also imminent.