Line workers at GM’s CAMI Automotive in Ingersoll, Ontario have decided to strike over job security and investment into the plant.
Responsible for a large majority of Chevrolet Equinox production, negotiations between the 2,800 workers represented by Unifor and GM broke off shortly before the 10:59 p.m deadline on Sunday.
The union told workers, “Your master bargaining committee has not been successful in securing a tentative agreement with the company. The membership of Unifor Local 88 working at the GM CAMI assembly plant will be on strike at 10:59 p.m. tonight, Sunday, September 17, 2017.”
Back in July, GM axed production of the GMC Terrain in Ingersoll, moving all assembly work of the 2017 Terrain to Mexico, resulting in 600 layoffs.
SEE ALSO: 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Review
General Motors also issued a statement after the workers walked out.
“While General Motors of Canada and our Unifor partners have made very positive progress on several issues over the past weeks, the Company is disappointed that we were not able to complete a new agreement. We encourage Unifor to resume negotiations and to continue working together to secure a competitive agreement.”
Much like negotiations in Oshawa late last year, Unifor national president Jerry Dias said the top priority is product, the union is looking for a commitment from GM to designate the CAMI plant as the lead producer of the Equinox. According to CBC, is that were to happen the plant would become eligible for hundreds of million dollars in new investment when a vehicle is redesigned.
“Every member understands the importance of reaching a deal that secures production, and what that means to our families and the community:, said Mike Van Boekel, Local 88 Chair at the CAMI plant.
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