Sea Change?

Besides likely closer identity of interest between management and the union's (assuming a portion of the VEBA is funded with GM stock).

Will the UAW have some ammunition to use in approaching workers for Japanese ( and other ) plants here in the states?
"We can offer you health coverage, what do you get from your employer?"

This might get interesting.
(some of this from conversation with friend at GM)

G.M. Workers Return After Deal Reached With Union - New York Times:

"G.M.’s key demand was the VEBA, which would include the union’s participation. G.M. would be the first among the Detroit companies to take full responsibility for coverage for active and retired workers and their families. G.M. estimates that liability at $55 billion.

Similar trusts could soon follow at the Ford Motor Company and Chrysler.

The automakers have pushed hard for the union to agree to form such trusts, maintaining that their so-called legacy costs hinder their ability to compete with Japanese auto companies, whose costs are lower.

All told, the three companies have health care liabilities totaling nearly $100 billion."