Fiat Chrysler U.S. Union Workers Easily Ratify 4-Year Contract

Source: Bloomberg

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV workers represented by the United Auto Workers by a 3-to-1 margin ratified an enhanced four-year contract that provides across-the-board raises and creates a path to senior-level pay for entry-level workers.

About 77 percent of production workers, 72 percent of those in skilled trades and 87 percent of the salaried union members voted in favor of the proposal, the union said in an e-mailed statement on Thursday. Fiat Chrysler and the UAW reached the accord Oct. 7, shortly before a strike might have shut down most of the automaker’s U.S. production. The workers rejected an earlier deal almost 2-to-1 largely because it left the two levels of pay in place.

“UAW members at FCA have obtained a strong agreement that provides substantial wage gains, fairness in the workplace, and job security,” union Vice President Norwood Jewell said in the statement. “Because of the strength and support from our membership, our bargaining team was able to negotiate a contract which promises a secure future for our members, their families and their communities.”

The approval at Fiat Chrysler lets the union move on to getting tentative contracts with General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. UAW President Dennis Williams is seeking similar but more lucrative deals with the other two automakers.

Read more: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-22/fiat-chrysler-u-s-union-workers-easily-ratify-4-year-contract