U.S. GM workers ratify contract, 40-day strike to end

ROMULUS, Mich. -- A contentious 40-day strike that crippled General Motors' U.S. production came to an end Friday as workers approved a new contract with the company. The four-year deal will now be used as a template in bargaining with crosstown rival Ford Motor Co., the union's choice for the next round of bargaining, followed by Fiat Chrysler. GM workers voted 57.2 per cent in favour of the pact, passing it with a vote of 23,389 to 17,501, the union said in a statement. Picket lines came down