Striking workers in front of the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll, September 18, 2017. (Photo by Miranda Chant. BlackburnNews.com)Striking workers in front of the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll, September 18, 2017. (Photo by Miranda Chant. BlackburnNews.com)
London

CAMI Workers Await GM Response

Striking workers at CAMI in Ingersoll are waiting to see if GM Canada will accept the latest offer made by union officials.

Unifor Local 88 pitched a new proposal to the company on Sunday.

"We have tabled a very comprehensive package to resolve issues and end our strike. The proposal addresses our outstanding items; such as job security, economics and contract language. The ball is now in the Company’s court. We await their response," the union said in a statement.

The union also noted its bargaining committee is available to meet at a moment's notice.

The 2,800 CAMI workers, represented by Unifor, went on strike a week ago after their union and General Motors failed to reach a tentative agreement.

Job security is the main sticking point, with the union asking for a letter guaranteeing production of the Chevrolet Equinox crossover vehicle will not be shifted to another plant. Earlier this year, GM shifted production of the Terrain sport utility vehicle to Mexico, costing hundreds of positions at CAMI.

The Equinox is currently the only vehicle being produced at CAMI.

The effects of the work stoppage at CAMI are being felt elsewhere in the automotive sector.

Layoff notices went out last week at the GM transmission plant in St. Catharines, which supplies engines to CAMI. As of Monday, up to 350 workers at the plant have been laid off. Other part suppliers, including Qaultech Seating Systems in London and Martinrea in Ingersoll, have also handed out temporary lay off notices.

Read More Local Stories