Strike Ends in Canada as One Paused in South Korea
Unifor makes a deal with GM, and Kia puts the brakes on its limited strikes.

General Motors called the tentative Canadian workers union deal a 'record agreement' and the wage increases 'significant.'
IMAGE: Pexels/500photos.com
Less than 24 hours after striking General Motors, a Canadian workers union reached a tentative contract agreement with the Detroit automaker similar to the one it signed with Ford late last month. Meanwhile in South Korea, a Kia union put a temporary hold on a strike against that company.
The signs of union progress played out against the backdrop of strikes against all three big Detroit auto brands by the United Auto Workers in the Motor City that are nearing a month in duration.
In Canada, the Unifor union reached its preliminary deal with GM that involves more than 4,000 workers across three factories. It awaited a vote by union members for ratification.
That three-year agreement includes 20% and 25% hourly wage bumps for production and skilled trade jobs, respectively, and the resumption of a cost-of-living allowance starting next December.
Unifor National President Lana Payne said GM decided to bargain when faced with the shutdown of key manufacturing facilities. “General Motors had no choice but to get serious at the table and agree to the pattern,” she said in a statement, referring to the union’s agreement with Ford.
GM called it a “record agreement” and the wage increases “significant.”
In South Korea, the Kia workers union paused a partial strike against the automaker in its home base as talks resumed, Reuters reported.
The union had planned eight-hour and three-day strikes this month, Yonhap News Agency said. But it indicated it would suspend those plans to continue negotiations, Reuters reported. Its aims include wage hikes, a retirement-age increase and a four-day work week.
The workers union of Kia parent company Hyundai forged a new agreement with that company last month that includes a pay increase, bonus and other enhancements. It had also asked for a bump in the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 64, but Hyundai resisted that change.
More Dealer Ops

Ladies and Gentlemen, This Is a Dealership: Why the Fundamentals Still Decide Who Wins
A teaching moment by a legendary football coach happens to apply perfectly in the auto retail space. Learn what it is and how to use it to your store’s advantage.
Read More →
Timing the Market Can Hurt Long-Term Program Performance
For dealer-owned reinsurance entities, avoiding volatility entirely can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long term surplus growth. Missing just a handful of strong market days can materially impact cumulative returns—an important reminder for long horizon trust and investment strategies.
Read More →
Dealer Ads and the FTC
The agency has made it clear in recent enforcement actions and warnings, in auto retail and other industries, that advertised prices must include all nonoptional costs to the consumer.
Read More →
Used Autos Supply Dwindles
The March shopping surge, despite high prices, cut into inventory by the most since the thick of the pandemic, Cox Automotive analysts calculated.
Read More →
Managing Risk Effectively Through Changing Times
The variables influencing risk pricing have changed significantly over the past five years. Being proactive and responsive to emerging trends is not optional but essential.
Read More →
Survey Reveals What Won't Fix What's Breaking Car Sales
AutoPayPlus says extra-long auto loans are trapping consumers and threatening the dealer trade-in cycle, and that the industry is leveraging the wrong tools to combat high MSRPs.
Read More →
IA American Appoints Two Execs
Senior vice presidents of the company's agent and dealer channels chosen to support general agents and help auto dealers with sales and performance.
Read More →
Cox Automotive Acquires Inspection Firm
Full ownership of Alliance Inspection Management, or AiM, meant to unlock growth for Manheim inspection capabilities
Read More →
Assurant Expands Partnership With Holman
Extended collaboration delivers training, products and performance development to 30 newly acquired Holman dealerships
Read More →
Franchises, Throughput Down in First Half
A handful of states see franchise growth through June, while EV sales per store boost overall business in U.S.
Read More →