GENERAL Motors Co. will gradually restart operations at several idled plants in Mexico after unionized workers for the U.S. automaker ratified a new labor contract, the company’s Mexican unit said Friday.

The United Auto Workers (UAW) union announced earlier Friday that its members had formally approved a new four-year labor contract with General Motors, ending a 40-day strike with the top American automaker.

GM said that by the end of this week all of its Mexican operations should be operating normally with all employees back to work.

In a statement, GM’s Mexican unit said its Ramos Arizpe motors plant would resume operating Saturday, while its transmissions plant and Chevrolet Blazer assembly line located at the same facility will start back up today. The Ramos Arizpe facility is located in the Mexican border state of Coahuila, south of Texas.

All of the plants located at GM’s Silao facility, in central Guanajuato state, will restart today.

Thousands of Silao city workers had been furloughed as anxiety grew earlier this month among residents who viewed the facility as the city’s economic anchor.

Tensions over the future of manufacturing in North America were at the heart of the striking GM workers. The debate pitted U.S. labor advocates eager to reduce Mexico’s cost advantage against Mexican trade unions fighting to protect local jobs.

The strike began in September with UAW negotiators demanding higher pay for workers, greater job security as well as a bigger share of profits and the protection of health-care benefits.

Trade experts say GM generates thousands of jobs in northern Mexico and contributes to the economic well being of parts suppliers, transportation and logistics companies from the United States.

(SD-Agencies)