First it was Ford, now the Canadian Auto Workers have a tentative deal with General Motors.

The union's National President Ken Lewenza says "there's not a hell of a lot different" between the documents.

Like Ford's, the GM deal freezes pay, while giving workers lump sum payouts to account for cost of living increases & a ratification bonus.  It will also take longer for new hires to reach the top of the pay scale & their pension plans have been tweaked.

The deal will keep, create, maintain or extend at least 1750 jobs.

In Oshawa, GM's flex plant will add a 3rd shift, impacting 900 positions.  There's also a chance for 750 Oshawa families to catch their breath & make plans.  The city's consolidated plant which was supposed to close in June 2013 will go at least a year longer.  There's a guarantee of at least 1 shift, but a 2nd could be added.

About 100 new positions will be created or maintained at GM's plant in St. Catharines.  The company has also promised to allow the 180 or so St. Catharines GM employees who've been driving to Oshawa & Ingersoll for work for over a decade to return home by the end of the 4-year deal.

The company committed to $675-million in investments over the life of the agreement.

Lewenza says a ratification vote will be held "as soon as we possibly can".  Ford Canada workers will vote on their deal this weekend.

As for Chrysler, Lewenza urged the company to "get serious" & table a proposal that follows the pattern set with Ford & GM.