Unifor and GM Begin Contract Negotiations for CAMI Assembly Plant

10 Sep, 2024

Unifor and GM Begin Contract Negotiations for CAMI Assembly Plant

General Motors and Unifor have officially started collective bargaining for workers at GM's CAMI Assembly plant in Ontario. Unifor Local 88 represents over 1,300 workers who manufacture Ultium battery modules and electric vehicles like the Chevrolet BrightDrop EV 600. A strike mandate showed overwhelming support, with 97% of Unifor members in favor of striking if an agreement isn't reached by 10:59 p.m. on September 17.

The union’s main focus is to secure a contract that ensures a stable and predictable income for its members, according to Unifor CAMI Plant Chairperson Mike Van Boekel. If negotiations fail, the strike could impact the production of crucial EV components at the plant.

In response, General Motors expressed its commitment to working collaboratively with Unifor to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. This negotiation is critical as it could set the tone for future labor agreements in the electric vehicle sector, especially as the automotive industry shifts towards EV production. Both parties aim to avoid a strike and ensure the continuity of operations at the CAMI Assembly plant, which plays a vital role in GM's electric vehicle strategy in North America.