GM says its latest contract offer to UAW is ‘mutually beneficial’

DETROIT – General Motors said its most recent proposal to the United Auto Workers is mutually beneficial for both sides.

In a message to hourly and salaried employees Friday, GM Executive Vice President of Global Manufacturing Gerald Johnson says the proposal sent Monday to the union addresses the UAW’s top concerns, including preserving health care costs and a “clear path” for temporary workers to reach permanent employment.

“Our offer builds on the winning formula we have all benefited from over the past several years,” he wrote. “We remain focused on building a stronger future for everyone.”

The offer, he said, also “commits to thousands of new jobs right here in the U.S. and billions of dollars in new investments.”

Johnson did not include specifics of the deal, however an offer GM submitted to the union before the strike began included more than $7 billion in new investments and more than 5,400 new or retained jobs.

Since that offer, Johnson says GM has “done even more to address the issues the UAW has brought forward.” GM, according to Johnson, has told the union that “it’s critical” the sides come to a resolution to end the UAW’s strike, which is now in its 26th day.

“From the outset, General Motors has been committed to an agreement that is fair and worthy of our team members’ support,” he said. “That’s why before the contract deadline, we made an offer that we felt was strong. And since that offer, we’ve done even more to address the issues the UAW has brought forward.”