Update on CAMI, BrightDrop, and Tariff Impacts – Webinar (CAMI) Summary
In yesterdays seminar for Unifor Detroit 3 members, Lana Payne addressed the ongoing challenges facing the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ontario, particularly in light of the recent news about General Motors’ partnership with Hyundai. Payne noted that she and Shane Wark have raised concerns with GM CEO Mary Barra earlier this summer, urging the company to explore alternatives if Brightdrop marketing efforts weren’t delivering results.
She emphasized the CAMI workforce is “bar none, the best at what they do” and the urgent need for solutions to maintain production. However, Payne warned that current tariff issues are discouraging investment across industries, not just in automotive. She has brought these concerns directly to the Prime Minister, advocating for measures such as government procurement to help sustain CAMI’s operations during what she described as a “trade war.”
Jason Gale, GM Master Bargaining Chair. Provided a brief update, stating that CAMI’s retooling is progressing quickly and that GM remains committed to the electric vehicle (EV) sector, including Brightdrop.
When asked about the effect of tariffs on Brightdrop, Angelo Dicaro – Unifor research, confirmed that the vehicles are subject to tariffs. He explained that there had been strategic moves to warehouse goods across the border, as we seen with our Brightdrop, ahead of tariff implementation. While Brightdrop vans are tariffed, battery components currently benefit from a two-year reprieve under the 0% auto parts tariff. Dicaro also touched on the GM-Hyundai collaboration, noting ongoing hopeful coordination on next-generation cargo and work vans, though the specific models involved remain unclear.
It is essential that members remain engaged and prepared to take action if called upon. These are our jobs, and they must be defended. We did not “take” them from anyone — they rightfully belong to us, and we must stand together to protect them.
Unifor is moving forward with Phase 2 of its campaign to safeguard our jobs. Details of this next phase will be shared in the fall, and we will be ready. In the meantime, discussions with the Detroit Three (D3) and all levels of government will continue.
Solidarity will ensure that our voices are heard and our work is protected.
In solidarity.