Missouri GM workers look to get back to work soon with new contract agreement

Workers at the GM plant in Wentzville, Missouri, have been picketing for over 45 days, but to end the strike, union leaders and members still need to vote on the tentative deal announced Monday. Workers would get a 25% raise over almost five years.
Nearly 4,000 union workers at Wentzville’s General Motors plant may soon be headed back to work after a tentative contract agreement was announced Monday.

“Every day was worth it for us holding the line and doing what we have to do to come to a good agreement,” said assembly plant worker Exavion Crenshaw. “If you ask me, I’d say it was well worth it.”

The agreement with GM follows deals with the other two automarkers, Ford and Stellantis, that the United Auto Workers went on strike against. Those deals were announced last week and over the weekend.

The deal includes 25% pay raises over the next four years and eight months, according to the Associated Press. With cost-of-living adjustments over the same time, workers’ wages will increase 30%.

“It’s not everything,” Crenshaw said. “But it’s a good start.”