General Motors says its CAMI plant in Ingersoll will be idle for at least a week while it waits for more parts.
According to Unifor, all shifts will be affected by the layoffs due to a worldwide shortage of computer chips the union says is "plaguing the auto industry."
Union workers have been informed that the temporary layoff is expected to last from February 8-13. GM says around 1,500 affected hourly employees will be eligible for layoff benefits.
While the shutdown is only expected to last one week, Mike Van Boekel, Unifor’s chairman for the CAMI plant unit believes the length of the layoffs could be "uncertain" and says workers are expecting an update on Thursday regarding the status of the plant moving forward.
“From what we understand it’s affecting every vehicle in the world. So we are waiting to hear, but hopefully it’s short-term," said Van Boekel.
The auto giant has assured the shutdown will not impact the revamp being done at the Ingersoll plant that will begin production of electric commercial delivery vans.
GM said it will provide an update on the idled plants in its quarterly financial report on February 10.
On Tuesday, CAMI announced it had secured a deal with Merchants Fleet, a U.S. shipping company for 12,600 BrightDrop EV600s. Last month, FedEx said it was teaming up with GM to add the electric vans to its vehicle fleet.