The 73,000 members of the United Auto Workers returned to their jobs in more than 80 General Motors facilities and assembly plants today after their union and the automaker reached a tentative contract agreement yesterday.

Many GM plants were able to get underway yesterday as second-shift workers came off the first UAW strike against the company in 37 years.

As early as next week union locals may begin voting to accept the agreement which also requires approval by the courts and by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Neither party has yet to confirm the details of the contract arrangement, but the agreement does include the establishment of a union-controlled trust fund for the distribution of retiree health care benefits and measures to strengthen job security for UAW members.

Ron Gettelfinger, president of the UAW told WJR-AM radio in Detroit, "I'm not sure on the timing. We want to get the ratification process under way in such a way that the membership has ample time to make an informed decision."

In addition to ratifying this agreement, the membership must now determine if the union will negotiation with Ford next, with Chrysler, or with both simultaneously.

"There's no reason at this point why we can't get both of those done at the same time," Gettelfinger said. "If we run into difficulty at one or the other, then we'll make a decision. I would hope we could do that. I'm not saying that's what we will do."