Presidents Report, October 4th 2017
The strike at CAMI in Ingersoll is now in the third week with no end in sight. The impact is not just in the community of Ingersoll where 2,800 workers are fighting for good paying jobs and a commitment from GM to the community, it’s much bigger than that. Within a few days of the strike, shipping and manufacturing companies as well as other small businesses were all impacted. In St Catharines a week later 250 of our members who make the transmissions for the very popular Equinox were laid off and another 180 of our members at Spencer ARL who are part of the supply chain, were also laid off.
Earlier this year GM moved production of the Terrain from Ingersoll resulting in 625 layoff notices. Workers at CAMI are concerned that without a volume commitment from GM or new product allocation at the bargaining table their jobs tied to production of the Equinox, are in jeopardy. The strike at CAMI exemplifies and highlights all that is wrong with the NAFTA agreement, which allows companies to move production to Mexico and still access our markets. It is vitally important that all levels of government get involved and help find a solution to prevent the loss of good paying Canadian jobs.
Last week our members attended a Solidarity Rally in Ingersoll, we joined over two thousand CAMI workers to show our support. This gave them a boost in moral to continue fighting for good paying jobs in Ingersoll and St Catharines. I would like to invite ALL OUR MEMBERS to come to Ingersoll this Friday October 6th there is another Solidarity Rally scheduled from 1pm – 3 pm. There will be a protest rally followed by guest speakers including Jerry Dias president of Unifor, Hassan Yussuff – president of the CLC and Chris Buckley – president of the OFL.
Local 199 has scheduled a bus and will also arrange a car pool if required, I urge you to call us today, register, Jump on the bus and fight for jobs in Ingersoll, St Catharines and Canada. The bus leaves the Union Hall at 10:30 am, you must call to register. (905)-682-2611 x 227
Greg Brady,
President Unifor Local 199
I would like to thank our members at IMG (Seneca Manufacturing) who had a collection for the CAMI workers. These workers battled through a labour dispute for six weeks and know what it’s like to be on strike.