The General Motors Canada strike by Unifor members at the CAMI plant in Ontario, Canada, has lasted one full week, but both sides have sat down formally for the first time, according to Automotive News.
Both Unifor and GM began formal negotiations yesterday, and the union reportedly provided a “comprehensive” labor proposal at that time. Not much changed from Unifor’s previous proposals, and it still wants one major facet: to be named the lead Chevrolet Equinox production plant. GM builds the compact crossover in two Mexico plants as well, and workers fear GM will shift production to those plants in the future. GM recently moved 2018 GMC Terrain production from the CAMI plant to Mexico.
“We are trying to initiate some talks to resolve this dispute with the company,” Unifor Local 88 President Dan Borthwick, said. “This proposal basically remains similar to our previous demands, where we need job security and to be named as the lead producer.”
GM confirmed talks had resumed, but offered no other insight into the discussions.
“We are again engaged in discussions with Unifor and continue to work toward a new competitive agreement,” the statement said.
The strike continues to affect across North America. GM will temporarily lay off employees at the St. Catharine’s powertrain plant, and employees at the Spring Hill, Tennessee, engine plant will face similar temporary layoffs. The plant builds four-cylinder engines for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox.
No Comments yet