GM Must Replace Lost Camaro Production on a One-to-One Basis, says CAW

Press Conference Details Below

OSHAWA, ON, Dec. 19, 2012 /CNW/ - The CAW is reacting in anger and frustration at the leaked announcement by General Motors that the company will allocate the next generation of Camaro to its Lansing, Michigan assembly plant, instead of the Oshawa Flex Plant where it is currently built.

The decision will cut between one third and one quarter of production in Oshawa and will occur in late 2015, early 2016. The union is calling on General Motors to replace the production on a one-to-one basis, ensuring that no jobs are lost.

"General Motors has once again shown a complete and utter disregard for its workers and also Canadians in general, whose tax dollars kept the company out of bankruptcy," said CAW National President Ken Lewenza.  While the exact number of jobs that may be lost has not yet been accounted for, removing Camaro could have the effect of closing down a number of auto parts companies. "This decision will cause yet another devastating shock to the Durham Region and the country's auto industry," said Lewenza.  Lewenza called the announcement and its timing both "callous and poorly thought-out."

"The timing of this announcement couldn't possibly be any worse," said CAW Local 222 President Chris Buckley. "Our members are now going into the holiday season wondering what will happen to them and if they'll have jobs in the future. General Motors must now explain to our members and Canadian tax payers why they are pulling more production out of the country."

Press conference:

The CAW will be responding via a media conference call today at 2 p.m. at the CAW Local 222 Hall in Oshawa - 1425 Phillip Murray Avenue.

Please call 1-888-886-7786

SOURCE: Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW)

please call CAW Communications Shannon Devine (cell) 416-302-1699, John McClyment (cell) 416-315-3202, CAW Local 222 Communications Director Joe Sarnovsky (cell) 905-439-1007