General Motors (GM) has announced that they will be shutting down the Mexico pickup factory due to a shortage on parts, which the company credits to an ongoing strike by union members of the United Auto Workers (UAW).
This is not the first plant GM will have been forced to close, though. Since the strike started in mid-September, the company was forced to close their truck and transmission factories in Silao. Now the strike is on week three, and there are more than 49,000 members already participating.
Negotiations have resumed, and our goal remains to reach an agreement that builds a stronger future for everyone. A work stoppage impacts our employees, families, communities and the American economy. For the latest on UAW-GM negotiations, visit: https://t.co/H0qDc4CBW2 pic.twitter.com/dAR4P7BfyA
— General Motors (@GM) September 18, 2019
As a result, GM will not have access to new supplies of its top-selling U.S. vehicle, the light-duty Chevrolet Silverado. The closure comes after GM closed a Mexican engine manufacturing facility and a Canadian assembly plant, according to the AP.
The union workers are demanding higher pay, better health care benefits, as well as a higher share of GM profits.
On Tuesday, The Associated Press reported that GM spokesman Dan Flores said they cannot currently predict how many workers are going to be affected. However, it was reported that management and union representatives have met to discuss options.
The offer we presented to the UAW prioritizes employees, communities and builds a stronger future for all. It includes improved wages and health care benefits, over $7B in U.S. investments and 5,400 jobs. Let's come together and secure our shared future: https://t.co/1QVtUokpis pic.twitter.com/Iss4S38Ozs
— General Motors (@GM) September 15, 2019
The automaker announced last week that, despite initial reports it would cut off striking workers’ health benefits, the benefits would remain in place.
UAW representative Jason Kaplan said, “It should not have taken stories about UAW GM workers who faced losing their cancer drugs, or postponing their surgery dates for GM to see their workers as humans beings not pawns on a chess board."
Imagine living in a country where you have the freedom to apply and work anywhere you like thanks Capitalism, which allows us choices, but you choose to throw a tantrum instead. No, humans should not be pawns on a board.
However, with that statement, he makes it sound as if they are forced to work there. They can walk away at any point. Demanding a private company to do something for you is just absurd.
Capitalism has raised millions out of poverty. Perhaps these workers should go to a country that practices socialism since that appears to be what they want.