Employees at the CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ont. were surprised to learn of a few details in their new three-year agreement with General Motors. At the ratification vote Saturday in Woodstock, Ont. members of Unifor Local 88 learned of the company’s intent to keep the CAMI plant open during the duration of the deal and also the potential for a new vehicle. “It’s a three-year deal with General Motors and I think it’s an important agreement,” said Mark Gee, the plant chairperson. There was also wage increases, extended benefits for those whose were about to expire and productivity and quality bonuses for laid-off employees. “In my opinion, it is a best case scenario,” said employee Peggy Falkingham. After Canadian auto assembly plants were hit with 25 per cent tariffs last year, auto workers were laid off. Months later, General Motors ended production of the Brightdrop vehicle in Ingersoll. It’s been a difficult stretch since then for employees to make ends meet. “I come from a family that is dual income from General Motors,” said Falkingham. “My husband also works at CAMI as well, so it is difficult. It’s a whole new family structure that we have to work around. And still the uncertainty of our future is definitely there.” Gee says it’s been tough for members going all the way back to the beginning of the pandemic. As they attended the meeting Saturday, Unifor members were worried they were about to hear about a plant closure. Instead, they learned of a potential future. “I’m surprised about the future opportunity for a new vehicle,” said Todd Sleeper, a CAMI employee. “If there’s a military contract, then Cami gets first crack at building that that military vehicle. That sounds positive.” In the letter from General Motors to the union, it states that if the Government of Canada approves a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) contact, the company will discuss with Unifor the potential allocation of GM Defence work to CAMI Assembly. If the CAF contract is awarded, CAMI will be first consideration. “It’s the carrot dangling in front of us,” said Falkingham. “We’ll take it, because right now that’s what we have to take. If that is a possibility in the future, I’m sure everyone would jump on it to be able to get back in the plant.” While employees don’t have all the answers, the do know they have a shot at returning to work and finishing out their pension. “There is hope for a future,” added Falkingham. “They’re not closing the doors. That is that is a big thing right there.”
