On Wednesday, hundreds of General Motors employees gathered outside the CAMI plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, demanding that the company secure a new vehicle for production at their facility.
The workers, represented by Unifor Local 88, are seeking prompt clarity regarding the future of production following last week’s news that the CAMI plant would no longer participate in making the Bright Drop electric delivery van.
Meanwhile, a similar protest was happening in Brampton as CBC London talked to people at the rally in Ingersoll.
Unifor stated that these “Solidarity Actions” at both the Brampton Assembly Plant and CAMI were organized after Stellantis revealed plans to move the Jeep Compass program from Brampton to the U. S., coupled with GM’s announcement about canceling the Bright Drop program at CAMI.
In Ingersoll, around 1,200 workers found themselves suddenly unemployed in an area where the automotive industry is a key part of the economy.
GM has explained that its decision was based on market demand and poor sales for the van but hasn’t connected this closure to tariffs in the United States.
Skeptical about GM’s rationale, many participants at the Ingersoll protest – who have been promised six months’ salary – believe there’s a direct connection between political developments across the border and GM’s choice to abandon a facility that had launched with hope and public funding just four years ago.
“We were ready to take off running, but unfortunately, the new president was inaugurated and started talking tariffs right away,” said Steven Pye, who has worked at CAMI for 20 years.
“Everybody was really liking the idea of what we were doing and saving money with their fleets but not wanting to get tied into contracts that would be hit hard with tariffs down the road.”
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Steven Pye, who has worked at CAMI in Ingersoll for 20 years, participated in the rally outside the plant on Wednesday. (Andrew Lupton/ )
Ahead of these rallies, GM released a statement from its Canadian president indicating they are looking for new opportunities for production at CAMI and emphasizing their long history of building vehicles in Ingersoll. The plant itself opened its doors in 1989.
“As CAMI Assembly is being assessed for future opportunities, GM’s focus is on supporting our people and working with our partners,” said Kristian Aquilina in his statement.
“These are complex discussions, and we need to invest time necessary for collaboration that will deliver better outcomes for our people, our communities and our customers.”
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Mario Difelice and Brooke Strub, who have worked for years at the CAMI plant, were among GM workers at the protest Wednesday. (Andrew Lupton/ )
GM maintains that Canada plays a vital role in its North American operations while highlighting ongoing production activities in Oshawa and St. Catharines along with a new $600-million battery-materials facility being built in Bécancour, Que.
However, given $500 million invested by taxpayers into retooling for Bright Drop facilities; federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly mentioned creating a group involving both union members and Ontario officials aimed at advocating for new production jobs at this site.
Joly also provided GM with 15 days to outline next steps regarding employment-setting a deadline for next Wednesday.
“Ultimately, I want to see a new product here. We have proven time and time again that our vehicles are second to none. We deserve a new vehicle,” longtime CAMI employee Brooke Strub said.
“They need to bring another product in here,” echoed Maria Chinelli who traveled from GM’s Oshawa plant to join protests. “This plant is here. The workers are ready to work on products. The workers don’t want to go. I don’t wanna be laid off.”
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Mike Van Boekel president of Unifor Local 88 expressed hope that government deadlines might help clarify what lies ahead for CAMI Assembly located in Ingersoll.
(Andrew Lupton/ ) Mike Van Boekel was present during Tuesday’s rally; he showed support towards setting deadlines believing it may compel GM into revealing their vision regarding what happens next with their facility.
“I think it’s meant to hold their feet to fire while they come up with an action plan,” he stated. “They’re expecting some movement; they’re asking questions because time is running out.”WATCH | GM’s president speaks on why CAMI had to close:<img src="https://ontariochronicle. ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1781073778_521_default. jpg" alt="" class="thumbnail" loading="lazy"/ GM Canada president explains decision to end electric van production in Ingersoll Ont.
Hear CBC London’s full interview featuring Kristian Aquilina discussing plans surrounding ending Bright Drop electric van manufacturing within its CAMI location located within Ingersoll Ont., taking inquiries about choices made affecting local workforce alongside changes imposed upon auto manufacturing throughout provinces.
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The Union Looks Forward To Deadline Responses
(Andrew Lupton/ ) Mike Van Boekel was present during Tuesday’s rally; he showed support towards setting deadlines believing it may compel GM into revealing their vision regarding what happens next with their facility.
“I think it’s meant to hold their feet to fire while they come up with an action plan,” he stated. “They’re expecting some movement; they’re asking questions because time is running out.”WATCH | GM’s president speaks on why CAMI had to close:<img src="https://ontariochronicle. ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1781073778_521_default. jpg" alt="" class="thumbnail" loading="lazy"/ GM Canada president explains decision to end electric van production in Ingersoll Ont.
Hear CBC London’s full interview featuring Kristian Aquilina discussing plans surrounding ending Bright Drop electric van manufacturing within its CAMI location located within Ingersoll Ont., taking inquiries about choices made affecting local workforce alongside changes imposed upon auto manufacturing throughout provinces.
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