UAW Overwhelmingly OKs GM Contract

United Auto Workers members at Detroit-based General Motors Corp. plants throughout the country voted in favor of a new labor contract that will guarantee jobs for 95% of GM’s 220,000 hourly workers. The contract, which was approved by 85% of those voting, will give GM some flexibility in improving operations while letting the UAW slow the decline of union jobs. The strength of the agreement is expected to be tested quickly as GM shifts its focus to negotiating contracts with more than 100 union locals across the country. The agreement is almost identical to contracts ratified recently by workers at Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Corp.