We are taking lots of calls from the membership asking for more information.
Talks continue regarding packages. It is taking an extremely long time as GM believes they don’t have to offer any packages. We are in talks, and they have moved but not to the extent that we believe our membership deserve. This includes the group of 30 that have signed up to retire last September. Those 30 are still included in all the numbers we quote as they have not yet retired. That group is a part of our talks as well as any other member eligible to retire and those who may want to quit and move in another direction.
GM keeps saying the number to run is 460 production members.
GM is also paying out all vacation owed, bank time, and vacation accrued for 2025/26 next week for those members starting at #618 and higher on the seniority list. That means that GM is leaving approx. 150 members on a remaining to return to work list for now. This is a good sign as the package talks continue. We have 167 members who can retire with 30 & out, 85 points, etc. We also have some members who could retire with 60 & 10 and age 65. We would have approx. 200 members who could retire. If you include the group of 30, we hope to attract as many as we can of the group of 200 to retire, but again, it is each member’s decision. Obviously the more that take the packages, the higher up the seniority list those members that will be return this fall. If more than #618 are needed we will work out your future vacation needs, if it is less than 618, you will be paid out once the dust settles and we see where we end up.
We will not wait for a membership meeting to announce any of this. If we get the packages done and signed off, we will immediately notify the membership, we are not going to wait a week or even a day for an upcoming membership meeting. We do not expect any news on packages at this weekend’s membership meeting.
We are also in talks regarding our future and options that our plant can explore. There are many rumours about talks in certain areas. The Trump administration is not helping but Brent Tree and Mike Van Boekel have met with Premier Ford and Lana Payne is meeting with Prime Minister Carney and we are hopeful actions will begin to help our plant and our membership. The roof project continues, and GM is still investing serious money into our plant.
There is a wrap-up social today at the Union Hall from 5-11. There will be a barbeque, and drinks are available for those that want to come out and talk and enjoy each other’s company.
If we get news, on packages, on any developments, we will quickly inform the membership.
Two of our benefit reps will be at the hall most days to help anyone and also please stop by the Action Centre if you’re looking for training opportunities, job postings, or just to have a coffee and talk. If we do get an agreement on packages we will likely reach out to our Communication Team (Keith & Allan) and get a video done very quickly to explain the details and the timelines.