General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) is facing fresh strikes after workers in Canada walked out on Tuesday morning in a dispute over conditions.
Meanwhile, over the border in United States, GM announced cuts of almost 200 employees on Monday in response to ongoing industrial action by auto workers there.
Manufacturers, including Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) and Stellantis, have been locked in a dispute in the US with union United Auto Workers (UAW) since mid-September, with some 800 people having lost jobs since the strikes began.
Tuesday’s action in Canada marks the first for fellow union Unifor, coming after it failed to reach an agreement with GM overnight.
According to the union, GM has so far failed to meet its demands on pensions, support for retired workers and assurances on transferring temporary staff to permanent roles.
“This strike is about General Motors stubbornly refusing to meet the pattern agreement,” Unifor president Lana Payne said.
“The company knows our members will never let GM break our pattern - not today - not ever.”
GM executive communications director Jennifer Wright responded saying a deal could still be made for the 4,200 workers that Unifor represents at its Oshawa Assembly & Operations, St. Catharines propulsion and Woodstock parts distribution plants.
“We remain at the bargaining table and are committed to keep working with Unifor to reach an agreement that is fair and flexible,” she said.