Workers at the Ultium Cells plant in Ohio have agreed to an interim pay raise that includes an hourly rate increase and back pay. The interim pay raise was ratified amid ongoing negotiations between Ultium Cells management and the United Auto Workers labor union, the latter of which represents Ultium Cells Ohio team members. The Ultium Cells facility in Ohio is the only operational union-organized battery production facility in the U.S. The Ultium Cells facility is operated under a joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution.
The wage increase was ratified by 97.6 percent of team members at the Ultium Cells Ohio facility. The new wage increase affects nearly 1,100 team members represented by the UAW, and includes an immediate pay increase to all current Ultium Cells-Ohio hourly employees, as well as back pay for every hour worked since December 23rd, 2022. Current employees who have worked since that date will receive between $3,000 and $7,000, depending on the number of hours worked. Ultium Cells hailed the move as “the right action to take for our team members,” adding that the increase “is the result of constructive and meaningful dialogue with our local union leadership.”
“This is just a first step to reward our team for their hard work and dedication to ensuring Ultium Cells’ success in leading a transformation of American transportation,” Ultium Cells states. “We continue to bargain in good faith with the UAW and are committed to reaching an agreement on a comprehensive contract for our employees, including a final wage scale.”
Ultium Cells and the UAW will next work towards negotiating an inaugural labor contract for UAW members at the facility. UAW hopes to secure a wage package deemed to be “life changing for the hourly workforce,” providing a “comprehensive contract for continued development and growth at Ultium Cells.”
The UAW previously criticized safety at the Ohio Ultium Cells facility. A recent chemical spill at the facility’s cathode mixing area temporarily operations in the area. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.
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