September 21st, 2017

NDP Transportation critic presses Wynne government to stand up for Ontario’s auto industry

During question period today, NDP Transportation critic and Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates questioned the Liberal government regarding the ongoing strike at the Ingersoll CAMI automotive plant, which has raised concerns about automotive jobs leaving the province for production sites in Mexico. 

“There are close to 3,000 CAMI auto workers who have been on strike in Ingersoll since last week. I visited them last night,” said Gates. “It’s obvious this province has no auto strategy, which means companies across Ontario can close and move production to Mexico, simply to maximize their profits. This hurts workers and the communities they live in.”

Currently in bargaining with General Motors, Unifor Local 88, which represents workers at the Ingersoll plant, are hoping to ensure that they remain the lead plant in North America for the production of the Chevrolet Equinox. The work stoppage could affect other plants on the supply chain, like St. Catharines, as early as Monday.

“The CEO of GM made $22.6 million last year while demanding that workers freeze their wages, cut their benefits, cut their pensions and accept a two-tier wage system,” said Gates. “Last year CAMI saw record profits. Yet there are still fears that GM is going to move production of the Equinox out of Ontario.” 

“There are over 15,000 more workers affected across the province. If the CAMI jobs are lost, those jobs are lost too. An auto strategy would recognize this fact.”   

“These Unifor workers are fighting to keeps jobs here in Ontario - why isn’t this Liberal government fighting as hard as they are?” asked Gates.