Cami Plant In Ingersoll Not Impacted By GM Strike

Tuesday, 17 September 2019 at 10:09

The Cami plant will have work lined up for the next two weeks, which receives engines for the Equinox vehicle from a GM plant stationed in Flint, Michigan. 33 GM auto factories and 22 distribution warehouses went on strike on Sunday at midnight.

INGERSOLL - General Motors workers in the U.S. are on strike, however it doesn't appear to have any impact on the Ingersoll plant for now.

33 GM auto factories and 22 distribution warehouses went on strike on Sunday at midnight.

Plant Chair of Unifor Local 88 at the Cami plant, Mike Van Boekel says they have work lined up for the next two weeks.

"Two years ago we went through the same fight. They took our terrain away that we were making at the Cami plant, move it to Mexico and I believe that's the biggest issue is just job security. They're moving the products to Mexico in record numbers, not just GM, but all the plants, it doesn't matter who you are they're all moving to Mexico and it's pretty tough to compete when you're making $2.00/an hour. I believe that's the stem of the strike."

Following the next two weeks, Van Boeckel says it's a wait and see approach.

The Cami plant has 2,100 employees who work on hourly wage and 250 employees who work on salary. The plant receives engines for the Equinox vehicle from a GM plant stationed in Flint, Michigan.

He adds the workers need to stick together and talk to each other while the strike is underway.

"It is pretty tough on a family when you lose your income for a month, especially if both parents or both spouses are working there but you take a month's income away from anybody it can be pretty tough. They just got to stick together, keep talking and hopefully keep faith."

Van Boekel led 2,000 GM employees on a month-long strike two years ago regarding job security, which was settled in contract language that prevented the plant from closing.

He says depending on how long the strike lasts, it could effect the Ingersoll plant, but he says he is hopeful the workers can reach an agreement fairly soon.