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GM Auto Workers Union Strike in Brazil at Full Tow
October 24, 2023
Metalworkers at Brazilian plants of General Motors (GM) have voted to go on strike starting Monday to protest against job cuts executed by the US-based automaker in the country.
The strike, announced for an “indefinite period of time,” comes in the wake of GM announcing workforce reductions at its three factories in Sao Paulo state, citing a drop in sales and exports. The automaker labelled the move as “necessary” for its sustainability.
The Sindmetal union, representing metalworkers at the Sao Jose dos Campos plant, confirmed workers had voted for a strike on Monday. Workers from the Sao Caetano do Sul and Mogi das Cruzes plants also agreed to similar measures.
“The plant will only resume production after the job cuts are canceled and job stability is guaranteed for everyone,” the union said in a statement.
The union argues that GM had agreed to provide stability for employees until May 2024. The Sao Jose dos Campos plant employs about 4,000 people, manufacturing engines, gearboxes, the Trailblazer SUV, and the S-10 truck. As reported by the union, some 1,200 workers had their contracts temporarily suspended.
The number of workers laid off has not been specified by GM or the union. While GM confirmed the layoffs, it did not immediately comment on the strike.
“We understand the impact this decision might have on people’s lives, but the move is necessary and will allow the company to maintain the agility of its operations,” GM said in a statement.
Additional Info on the GM Auto Workers Union Strike in Brazil
Reuters follows up with additional information on the evolving situation. The strike is planned to last an “indefinite period of time” and comes as GM announced it was reducing its workforce at its three factories in Sao Paulo state due to a decrease in sales and exports. The automaker has described this move as “necessary” for its sustainability.
The automaker employs about 4,000 people at its Sao Jose dos Campos factory where it manufactures engines, gearboxes, the Trailblazer SUV, and the S-10 truck. The union reported that around 1,200 workers had their contracts temporarily suspended earlier.
Neither General Motors nor Sindmetal provided specific figures about the number of workers who have been laid off. The company affirmed the layoffs, but did not comment immediately on the strike.
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