Unifor Boycott Threatens Collateral Damage for Ontario Workers Says GM Canada
2019-01-25
OSHAWA, Ont. (Friday, January 25, 2019) — General Motors Canada today responded to Unifor’s call for a boycott on the purchase of Mexican made vehicles.
In today’s integrated auto industry, a call for a boycott of Mexico made automobiles, if successful, could create collateral damage across the wider Ontario economy which has over 60 Ontario-based auto parts companies supporting Mexico production. GM is also one of 10 automotive companies that import vehicles from Mexico and is among five who also build here in Canada.
GM Unifor members make North American transmissions in St. Catharines and stamp body panels in Ingersoll that go into Mexican made vehicles sold in Canada.
“The threat of collateral damage for Ontario based auto suppliers, auto dealers and workers is concerning, especially for an Ontario economy that is now open for business, with every opportunity to now benefit from increased trade with Mexico”, said GM Canada vice president, David Paterson.
Since 2009, GM has reinvested more than $100 billion into Canada through manufacturing, purchased goods and services, and over $8 billion invested into worker pensions. GM’s investment in Canada has also created Canada’s largest automotive software engineering workforce as it continues to add jobs in next-generation automotive engineering, software and testing work in Oshawa, Markham, Kapuskasing and soon in Toronto.
GM Canada continues to build where it sells in Canada with production at its plant in Ingersoll alone roughly equal to its total retail sales in Canada.
On November 26, 2018, GM confirmed that it does not have a viable business case for production at the Oshawa Assembly plant past the end of this year because of a number of economic factors, including rapid changes in the North American car market, the cancellation of Oshawa products and persistent low utilization at the plant. The company has committed millions of dollars to help Oshawa Assembly employees access retraining and other assistance.
To learn more about the facts on GM’s transformation and our commitment to Canada visit www.supportingoshawaworkers.ca.
About General Motors Canada
General Motors of Canada Company markets Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles through Canada’s largest dealer network, as well as OnStar and MAVEN services. Headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario, GM Canada employs more than 7,700 people across the country and is a recognized leader in advanced manufacturing, green operations, active safety, and autonomous and connected vehicle technology research and development. More information on the company can be found at www.gm.ca or by following @GMcanada on Twitter.
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