Today, Ultium Cells, LLC announced the successful ratification of an interim wage increase for nearly 1,100 team members represented by the UAW. The Interim wage plan was ratified by an acceptance 97.6% of our people. The agreement, reached late last week, gives an immediate pay increase of an average of 25 percent to all current Ultium Cells-Ohio hourly employees.
In addition to this immediate hourly rate increase, all eligible team members will receive back pay for every hour worked since December 23, 2022. Any current employee who has worked since that date can receive payment of $3,000 to $7,000, based on hours worked.
This is the right action to take for our team members and 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. 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-Ohio is proud to be the only operational union-organized battery cell facility in the U.S.
Josh Ayers, UAW Local 1112 chairman, said, “This weekend, the UAW Local 1112 brothers and sisters at Ultium Cells have spoken by casting their vote concertedly in favor of this interim wage increase. There is still a lot of work ahead in the bargaining process, including a wage package which will not only be life changing for the hourly workforce, but transform our work from ‘just a job’ to a career. Ultium Cells can and should be a highly desirable place to work. I truly believe this is achievable in collaboration with the UAW and Ultium Cells. The UAW Local 1112 bargaining committee will continue to bargain on a comprehensive contract for continued development and growth at Ultium Cells.”
Ultium Ohio Plant Director Kareem Maine said, “Today, our Ultium Cells Ohio team members voted overwhelmingly to ratify the previously announced interim wage agreement. This vote further reinforces that Ultium and the UAW are making progress toward reaching a comprehensive agreement, which will lead to a meaningful contract for our team members. This interim wage increase is a positive first step in the right direction. I look forward to sharing news in the future that demonstrates our continued commitment to our team members and the growth of Ultium Cells as we pioneer a new industry in America.”