Does General Motors Hire Felons?

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GM's Hiring Policy for People with Records

General Motors follows an individualized assessment process when evaluating applicants with criminal records. The company complies with Ban the Box laws and fair chance hiring ordinances in applicable jurisdictions. GM does not ask about criminal history on the initial application — the background check comes after a conditional offer of employment. For UAW-represented manufacturing positions, the hiring process is somewhat standardized, and the union's collective bargaining agreement provides a framework that limits arbitrary decision-making. This means that a criminal record is evaluated based on specific, job-related criteria rather than being an automatic disqualifier. GM has also made public commitments to diversity and inclusion in hiring, and the company has participated in industry discussions about fair chance employment. However, the practical experience varies significantly between plant-floor manufacturing roles and salaried corporate positions.

Background Check Process

GM conducts background checks through a third-party screening provider after extending a conditional offer of employment. The standard check includes a criminal history search (typically 7 years, though this varies by state), a Social Security number trace, and employment verification. For positions requiring driving, a motor vehicle records check is included. Some positions that involve government contracts or defense-related work may require additional security clearance screening. Under the FCRA, if GM decides to take adverse action based on background check results, they must provide you with a pre-adverse action notice, a copy of the report, and a summary of your rights before making a final decision. You have the right to dispute inaccuracies and provide additional context.

The UAW Advantage

One significant advantage of manufacturing positions at GM is that they are represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. Union representation provides several benefits for workers with criminal records. First, the collective bargaining agreement establishes clear, standardized hiring criteria that limit management's ability to make arbitrary decisions based on criminal history alone. Second, if you are hired and later face issues related to your background, the union provides grievance procedures and representation. Third, the UAW has historically advocated for fair treatment of workers with criminal records, and union stewards at the plant level can sometimes advocate on behalf of applicants. Temporary and supplemental workers may not initially have full union protections, but once they convert to permanent status, they gain full UAW representation. The union environment at GM plants creates a more structured and often more equitable hiring process than you would find at many non-union employers.

Pay and Benefits

GM manufacturing jobs are among the best-paying blue-collar positions available in the United States. Under the current UAW contract, new production workers start at approximately $18-$22 per hour, with a progression to the top rate of over $30 per hour over several years. Skilled trades workers earn $30-$40+ per hour. Overtime, shift premiums, and performance bonuses can significantly increase total compensation. Full-time UAW-represented employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance with low employee contributions, dental and vision coverage, a 401(k) with company match, a pension plan (one of the few remaining in manufacturing), paid time off, and profit-sharing bonuses that have exceeded $10,000 in some years. These are genuinely career-level positions with benefits that are increasingly rare in American manufacturing.

How to Apply

GM posts all positions on their careers website at careers.gm.com. Manufacturing positions are listed under the 'Manufacturing' or 'Hourly Production' categories. You can search by location and job type. The application is completed online. GM also uses temporary staffing agencies for supplemental production workers at many plants — these temp-to-hire positions can be a way to get your foot in the door and demonstrate your value before the permanent hiring process. Check with staffing agencies near GM plants in your area. Additionally, UAW local unions sometimes have information about upcoming hiring at their facilities, and local workforce development agencies may have connections to GM plant HR departments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does General Motors hire felons?

GM does hire people with felony convictions, particularly for UAW-represented manufacturing positions at its assembly and production plants. The company uses an individualized assessment that considers the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and job relevance. Manufacturing roles are significantly more accessible than corporate or salaried positions for people with records.

Does GM do background checks?

Yes, GM conducts background checks on all new hires after a conditional offer of employment. The standard check covers criminal history (typically 7 years), Social Security trace, and employment verification. Some positions may require additional screening. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you.

Can I work at a GM plant with a felony?

Yes, many people with felony records work at GM manufacturing plants. UAW-represented production positions are the most accessible. Non-violent felonies and older convictions have the best chance of being accepted. The union environment provides more structured and standardized hiring criteria than many employers.

How much do GM factory workers make?

GM production workers start at approximately $18-$22 per hour under the current UAW contract, with progression to over $30 per hour. Skilled trades workers earn $30-$40+ per hour. Benefits include health insurance, pension, 401(k) with match, and profit-sharing bonuses that have exceeded $10,000 in some years.

Does GM drug test?

Yes, GM requires pre-employment drug testing for manufacturing positions. Random drug testing may also occur during employment per the UAW contract. Post-accident and reasonable suspicion testing applies to all positions. Drug test policies comply with applicable state laws.

How far back does GM's background check go?

GM's background check typically covers 7 years of criminal history, complying with state laws that limit lookback periods. In some states without such limits, older convictions may appear. The individualized assessment process considers time elapsed as a key factor, so older convictions are generally viewed more favorably.

What is the difference between temporary and permanent GM workers?

Temporary or supplemental workers at GM are employed through staffing agencies or short-term contracts. They may have fewer benefits and less union protection initially. However, temp positions can convert to permanent UAW-represented positions, which offer full benefits, higher pay, and union protections. Temp work at GM can be a strategic entry point.

Can I get a skilled trades position at GM with a felony?

It is possible, especially if you have journeyman credentials, certifications, and relevant experience. Skilled trades workers are in very high demand at GM, and your technical qualifications can outweigh background concerns. Electricians, millwrights, tool and die makers, and HVAC technicians are consistently needed.