(DETROIT, MICHIGAN) - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Workers have a new Labor Contract.  Almost five months after talks officially launched with ceremonial handshakes between the United Auto Workers (UAW) and FCA, the company's U.S. Workers okayed a new four-year deal, following approvals of similar agreements at General Motors (GM) and Ford.

The UAW said the deal, which covers an estimated 47,200 Workers, was ratified by 71% of the Voting Members - 74% Hourly, 59% Skilled Trades and 67% of the Salaried-Worker Bargaining Unit.  FCA Workers should also get their bonuses - $9,000 for traditional and $3,500 for Temporary Workers - in time for Christmas, according to the UAW.

The deal's highlights include: Pledges of $9 billion in investment and 7,900 jobs, which includes investment and jobs numbers announced in February as part of FCA's Southeast Michigan expansion; Current Full-Time Employees at top pay in four years; A 12.5% formula boost for profit sharing; Health care parity for In-Progression Workers and prescription drug coverage for Temporary Workers, who will also have a pathway to full-time status and top pay; and Two 3% annual raises and two 4% lump sum payments.

UAW President Rory Gamble recognized the efforts of the Negotiating Team: “It is ‘not easy’ in pattern bargaining ‘to be the final Detroit Three contract.’  ‘It means a much longer period of negotiating.’  Our Negotiating Team at the UAW and those Local National Negotiators ‘were able to keep pattern and consequently negotiate a contract that will lift many lives during the life cycle of this contract.’  ‘They are to be congratulated for their focus and perseverance.’”

FCA's Mark Stewart, Chief Operating Officer for North America, also offered praise: “We ‘wouldn’t be the company we are today without the contributions of our UAW-represented Workforce and this contract recognizes and rewards their dedication in helping us achieve that success.’  Working with the UAW, ‘we are pleased to have reached a new agreement that allows us to continue our record of adding good-paying UAW-represented jobs, building strong families, investing in our communities and offering exceptional vehicles to our customers.’”

The vote closes perhaps the most eventful Detroit Three contract bargaining in recent memory, with a 40-day Nationwide Strike against GM.

The contract with GM set the pattern for both Ford and FCA.

Even though company and UAW Officials praised the contracts, they have come in for some criticism.

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