CAW Local 88 members at CAMI Automotive in Ingersoll, Ontario have voted overwhelmingly to support a program of rotating layoffs in an effort to share the pain caused by announced job cuts.
CAMI, a joint venture between General Motors and Suzuki, announced plans to temporarily stop production of the Suzuki XL7 vehicle and to eliminate the second shift at the facility in 2009 resulting in 600 job cuts.
After weeks of negotiations, the union and company agreed to a program of rotating layoffs between January and April, effectively keeping workers employed but at a reduced work schedule. Production at the plant is expected to pick up again in May 2009 following the launch of a new vehicle.
Workers voted 99 per cent in favour of the program at a membership meeting held on November 23. Had the plan been rejected, 600 workers would have faced a four-month layoff.
CAMI Plant Chairperson Mike Van Boekel calls the positive response from his members a bittersweet reward, as auto workers in Canada continue to struggle with an industry in rapid decline and an uncertain future.
"The auto industry is central to our economy and CAMI plays an important role in our community," Van Boekel said. "We absolutely need a viable long-term strategy to help solve this current crisis that will move our industry forward and government has to be the driving force behind that."
The Ingersoll facility employs 1,700 workers and produces the Pontiac Torrent, Chevrolet Equinox and Suzuki XL7 vehicles.
