CAW Union, GM Reach Tentative Accord

The Canadian Auto Workers withdrew an 11:59 p.m. Tuesday deadline to strike General Motors Corp. after bargainers reached “the framework for a tentative agreement,” union President Buzz Hargrove said. The pact was expected to be formalized Tuesday night, after which the CAW would recommend that its 22,000 GM members ratify it, the Hargrove said. GM issued a brief statement saying it and the union had reached a tentative agreement. Hargrove said, however, that bargainers were continuing to meet Tuesday evening to address a few issues and grievances but that he expects union members to approve the package. The three-year agreement includes a 3% pay raise in each of its three years, and improved retirement and health benefits, he said. GM also agreed not to sell or close any Canadian plant over the three years.