To the members of Unifor Local 88,
Today your Unifor Local 88 bargaining team met with the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Industry, and the Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State for Labour, who represent the federal government. Also in attendance was Brian Petrie, the Mayor of Ingersoll. He shared key insights on the town’s history and current needs. His perspective highlighted the community’s priorities and challenges, helping shape a meaningful discussion about future support and initiatives for Ingersoll.
Our discussions focused on the future of the CAMI plant, potential new product opportunities, and the pressure the federal government is putting on General Motors to ensure that good-paying jobs remain here in Ingersoll. Minister Joly and her team expressed their support for our members and our community, and their willingness to engage with the issues facing CAMI gives us reason to be hopeful about the future of our plant and our jobs. We also discussed the current struggles facing D3 automakers and Canada’s auto sector, including investment uncertainty, supply chain challenges, and the transition to electric vehicles. The message from your bargaining team was clear: CAMI and our members are essential to Canada’s automotive future, and we expect corresponding commitments to protect our workforce and community.
We know that a live Q&A session had been scheduled for tomorrow. However, the company informed us late this afternoon that they have a proposal regarding the six months’ pay protection and several other items, which had been sent to Detroit for review. The proposal is expected on Thursday, and we will need to review it before we can provide accurate answers to your questions. Because of this, we are postponing the livestream until early next week, at which point we will provide a complete update and answer your questions directly.
We understand that patience is running thin. These delays are frustrating, and the uncertainty around our jobs and the future of CAMI affects all of us. We hear your concerns and share your worry. Please know that your bargaining team is working tirelessly on your behalf, doing everything possible to secure a fair and secure agreement that protects our jobs, our families, and the future of CAMI.
We ask that you continue to stand strong together. Your solidarity is what gives us strength and keeps our voices loud and clear in these negotiations. These discussions take time, but every step we take is with the goal of achieving the best possible outcome for all members and for our community.
We have made our position with the company crystal clear: nothing comes in and nothing goes out. If they try to remove even one single thing from the plant, we are ready to take over. We are not kidding. We are fighting to ensure CAMI stays open, and as I mentioned in my video update, we will do whatever it takes to protect our jobs, our members, and the future of this plant.
Mike Van Boekel and the Unifor 88 Bargaining Team