June 17 (Reuters) - Union members at Ultium Cells - a

joint venture between General Motors ( GM ) and LG Energy

Solution - in Lordstown, Ohio voted to ratify a new

labor agreement, the United Auto Workers said on Monday.

About 98% of votes cast were in favor of the new deal, which

includes a 30% wage increase over three years for many workers,

and a $3,000 ratification bonus.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

As automakers shift to manufacturing electric vehicles

(EVs), their battery plants have emerged as a focal point for

the union.

UAW expects the Ultium agreement to set a new precedent for

upcoming battery facilities in the U.S. and the entire EV

industry.

CONTEXT

Earlier this month, the UAW reached a tentative contract

with Ultium Cells, which manufactures EV batteries for GM. The

plant began operations in 2021 with a non-unionized workforce

and the workers voted to join the UAW in late 2022.

BY THE NUMBERS

By October 2027, Ultium production workers will make $35 an

hour, 112% more than before they joined the UAW.