GM Workers in Silao, Mexico.
Workers at General Motors plant in Silao, Mexico, have formed a new union – the national union of automotive workers, SINTTIA. The union seeks to represent GM workers and negotiate a new collective employment agreement. In a crucial vote on 17 and 18 August, workers rejected the current collective bargaining agreement, controlled by what they say is – with justification in AutoInformed’s view – the corrupt Miguel Trujillo López union, affiliated to the Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM).
Silao builds Chevrolet Silverado LD Crew Cab and Reg Cab, as well as GMC Sierra LD Crew Cab and Reg Cab trucks that are among GM’s most profitable vehicles. GM did not immediately respond to AutoInformed’s request for comments. (Variables Abound – Meet the New NAFTA; Collision Course – Trump, Mexico, NAFTA; Ford Invests $1.6 Billion in Mexico. NAFTA Sucking Sound of Lost U.S. Jobs Continues During Fierce Presidential Race)
An alternative, independent union has been created, backed by the “Generando Movimiento” collective, run by current and former GM workers and who has been the subject of reprisals by the company during the past two years. The aim is to build a representative union ready to engage in dialogue with the company to safeguard workers’ rights, according to IndustriALL, an international federation of unions.
SINTTIA general secretary María Alejandra Morales, who has worked at GM for eleven years, said that the new union has been officially approved by and registered with Mexico’s labor ministry. “In the end, we spoke up. Our workers stand united and are ready to fight for their rights and overthrow the CTM, which does not protect them or do anything to improve the benefits they receive,” said Morales.
IndustriALL Global Union’s regional secretary, Marino Vani, said: “When workers are unified and take action together, and when they support their leaders, they can ensure respect and dignity at work. SINTTIA is the way to create a dignified workplace – only through an organized campaign can you gain momentum and secure the collective agreement you deserve.”
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
GM Workers in Mexico Reject Corrupt Union to Form New One
GM Workers in Silao, Mexico.
Workers at General Motors plant in Silao, Mexico, have formed a new union – the national union of automotive workers, SINTTIA. The union seeks to represent GM workers and negotiate a new collective employment agreement. In a crucial vote on 17 and 18 August, workers rejected the current collective bargaining agreement, controlled by what they say is – with justification in AutoInformed’s view – the corrupt Miguel Trujillo López union, affiliated to the Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM).
Silao builds Chevrolet Silverado LD Crew Cab and Reg Cab, as well as GMC Sierra LD Crew Cab and Reg Cab trucks that are among GM’s most profitable vehicles. GM did not immediately respond to AutoInformed’s request for comments. (Variables Abound – Meet the New NAFTA; Collision Course – Trump, Mexico, NAFTA; Ford Invests $1.6 Billion in Mexico. NAFTA Sucking Sound of Lost U.S. Jobs Continues During Fierce Presidential Race)
An alternative, independent union has been created, backed by the “Generando Movimiento” collective, run by current and former GM workers and who has been the subject of reprisals by the company during the past two years. The aim is to build a representative union ready to engage in dialogue with the company to safeguard workers’ rights, according to IndustriALL, an international federation of unions.
SINTTIA general secretary María Alejandra Morales, who has worked at GM for eleven years, said that the new union has been officially approved by and registered with Mexico’s labor ministry. “In the end, we spoke up. Our workers stand united and are ready to fight for their rights and overthrow the CTM, which does not protect them or do anything to improve the benefits they receive,” said Morales.
IndustriALL Global Union’s regional secretary, Marino Vani, said: “When workers are unified and take action together, and when they support their leaders, they can ensure respect and dignity at work. SINTTIA is the way to create a dignified workplace – only through an organized campaign can you gain momentum and secure the collective agreement you deserve.”
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.