North Dumfries auto supplier feels effects of GM strike

A labour strike by General Motors workers in the U.S is having a trickle down effect on area businesses and spin-off companies that deal with the auto industry. 

More than 49,000 members of the United Auto Workers walked off the job on Sept. 15.

As the strike enters its fourth week, a number of companies who supply or deliver parts to the auto industry have had to temporarily lay off workers.

Bend All Automotive Incorporated located in the town of Ayr in North Dumfries Township has 1,200 workers at four facilities it operates, including two in Canada.

James McCormack, the General Manager of the company said in a statement to CBC KW the GM strike has affected their operation.

"The current work stoppages at GM plants in the United States have impacted volumes and staffing at our Bend All plant in North Dumfries," stated McCormack.

"We are monitoring the situation as it evolves, and will continue to provide updates to our employees. We hope to return to full production as quickly as possible."

Bend All Automotive Incorporated supplies automotive components and automation tooling equipment.

Guelph-based parts producer Linamar Corp. said last week that the strike was costing it about $1 million a day. Magna International Inc. and Martinrea International Inc. did not respond to requests for comment. Industry analysts say GM itself is losing more than $80 million U.S. a day as the strike continues.

'Hope the strike is resolved quickly'

It's a different story right now at the Cami Automotive Plant in Ingersoll where the plant reopened this week.

About 2,200 workers have returned to work on three full shifts after a planned shut down last week. Mike Van Boekel with Unifor local 88 told CBC KW the strike should not affect the plant for the month of October but they may start monitoring the situation week by week.

"As far as we know we have parts...so hopefully our parts keep coming and we keep going," said Van Boekel.

"But I'm also hoping that the brothers and sisters down in the U.S.A. do good too because we're in their shoes two years ago we know what it's like to be on strike. It can be very tough on families."

North Dumfries Mayor Sue Foxton agrees with Van Boekel's sentiments. She hopes the layoffs at Bend All Automotive remain temporary.

"We hope things will be resolved quickly," said Foxton.  "It's an indefinite time when you don't know when you're next paycheque is going to be. Our sympathies go out to the individuals laid off and we truly hope the strike is resolved quickly, so we can get everyone back to work."