5-Year Deal Between Nexteer, Union Easily Wins Approval

SAGINAW (WWJ/AP) — Union members at a major Michigan auto parts supplier have approved a five-year contract.

The United Auto Workers says the deal with Nexteer Automotive was approved by 61 percent of workers who cast ballots. The results were announced early Saturday.

Nexteer makes steering systems for General Motors, Ford Motor and other auto companies. It has roughly 3,000 UAW-represented employees in the Saginaw area, 100 miles north of Detroit.

Nexteer vice president Mark Decker says workers now can "give their full attention" to making steering systems. The deal includes pay increases and a $2,000 ratification bonus.

There was a brief strike earlier in December after the first deal was rejected. Nexteer is owned by China-based Pacific Century Motors.

The company, formerly known as Saginaw Steering, makes steering systems for a number of automakers and has more than 3,000 union employees at the complex.

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