CAMI employees sign new agreement as speculation swirls around plant’s future

(Contributed Photo)

Lee Griffi, Editor

There is a glimmer of hope for employees of the former CAMI plant in Ingersoll.

General Motors ended production of the BrightDrop electric delivery van at the facility on October 21, 2025. It had already suspended production in May 2025. Recently, speculation has surfaced that GM is being considered for a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) contract to build light-armoured vehicles, a contract that could see CAMI workers back on the job if it comes to fruition.

The reason was weak, slower-than-expected demand for electric delivery vans and excess inventory. GM also cited a tougher regulatory environment and the loss of U.S. EV tax credits.

Unifor Local 88 President Mark Gee said it was a good deal for his members.

“They have given us their intent not to neither sell nor close the plant throughout the length of the collective agreement. They have extended income security benefits for our members until May 1, 2028, or your recall date, whichever comes sooner.”

Gee added employees have also been given letters of commitment for first consideration if GM is awarded a CAF contract.

The ratification number was exceptionally high, at 96.5 per cent for production workers, while those in the skilled trades approved it with a whopping 98.5 per cent.

“Pretty overwhelming support. It is a bit of a sigh of relief right now for our members, with the income security and the stuff that comes with it, but everybody is hopeful and wants to get back to work,” he explained.

One issue not in the corner of GM or Unifor is the ongoing trade dispute with our neighbours to the south. Gee said the company made it very clear throughout bargaining that they were unwilling to announce any major product or major investment into the plant.

“A large part of that is because of everything happening with the US and the trade dispute going on right now. It makes it very challenging to invest money when things change day to day. We need to keep pushing and having those conversations with elected officials and GM so we can get our people back to work.”

Gee said he will soon meet with Oxford MP Arpan Khanna and added any other politician he has talked to has been supportive of getting his members back to work as soon as possible. He added everyone will win should production resume at CAMI.

“This plant is huge for the economy, huge for the town of Ingersoll and huge for Oxford in general. There are so many spinoff jobs that come with it, and we’d like to see them get back to work as well.”

General Motors released a statement following the contract’s ratification.

“With the ratification of new three-year collective agreements with Unifor, we have reached an outcome that supports our employees, strengthens our manufacturing operations and provides a solid foundation for GM's future in Canada.”

It added reaching an agreement required collaboration and a shared focus on the future.

“The new agreements include meaningful improvements to wages, benefits and job security, and recognize the valuable contributions of our represented employees while helping sustain good-paying jobs that have long been a cornerstone of Canada’s automotive industry.”

GM also said its unionized employees play a critical role in GM Canada’s success.

“Their skill, dedication and commitment to quality help ensure the vehicles we build continue to earn the trust of customers across North America.”