After dismissals, GM workers go on strike

By Redação AutoIndústria | Translated by Jorge Meditsch

General Motors metalworkers assembled in São José dos Campos on Monday, 10/23, decided to go on strike in the company’s three plants in the state of São Paulo. The decision is a reaction to a great number of dismissals communicated to the employees by telegram or e-mail on Saturday, 10/21.

The manufacturer confirmed the dismissals but did not disclose the number of workers fired. The unions’ representatives do not know the reach of the measure. According to the São José dos Campos and region Metalworkers Union, the temporary layoff agreement signed in June by GM ensuring employment stability until May 2024 was unaccomplished.

The union also says that the cuts happened without previous negotiations, which is against the law in case of collective layoffs. They vow to return to work only if all dismissals that happened in the last weekend are canceled.

“The war for dismissals canceling is declared. What GM did was cowardice and in absolute disrespect to the workers and the signed agreement. We will not tolerate a single dismissal. We will demand immediate measures by the federal and state governments to cancel them”, said on a note Valmir Mariano, the union’s vice president.

GM claims the sales fall demands a workforce adjustment despite the brand’s vehicle deliveries showing positive results from January through September. According to data from Anfavea, automobile sales grew by 6% and light commercial vehicles delivered doubled.

The strike affects the production of the Tracker and Montana in São Caetano do Sul, Trailblazer and S10 in São José dos Campos and stamped components made in Moji das Cruzes

Photo: Sindmetalsjc