| Written by Metalworkers Union of São José dos Campos |
| Tuesday, 22 January 2013 22:29 |
 Workers at General Motors of São José dos Campos (Brazil) went on strike on Tuesday, 22 January, and occupied the Presidente Dutra Highway (known as Via Dutra, it is the most important motorway in Brazil and runs from the State of São Paulo to the state of Rio de Janeiro) as a way to pressure the Federal Government to stop the 1598 layoffs planned by the automaker. The occupation of the Via Dutra took place at km 141, in both directions, in front of the GM plant, from 6:30 am to 7:30. Tires were burnt to disrupt traffic and workers took the highway, with banners and placards. One of the demands included the phrase “Dilma, prohibit layoffs at GM.” About 4500 workers participated in the demonstration. After the occupation, the metalworkers went back to their homes and a 24-hour strike was started. GM of São José dos Campos has 7500 workers. Production will be hit 100 % and the factory will stop producing 480 vehicles (S10, Classic and Blazer models) and 2,400 engines and transmissions during the strike. The metalworkers are fighting in defence of jobs and are demanding that President Dilma Rousseff sign a Provisional Act forbidding companies that benefit from government tax incentives, such as GM, to make layoffs. Last round of negotiations Workers go on strike one day before the last round of negotiations between GM and the Steelworkers Union, which will take place tomorrow at 9am at the headquarters of Ciesp (Centre of Industries of São Paulo State) at São José dos Campos.  At the meeting, the Union will try to reach an agreement with the automaker to preserve all jobs. If they do not reach an agreement, the negotiation can be extended to 26th January, the last day of the agreement. On 4 August, GM announced it would close the Motor Vehicle Assembly sector (MVA) of the factory in Sao Jose dos Campos and lay off 1840 workers. An agreement approved a delay of the measure until 26 January. Since then, more than 300 employees have already joined the Voluntary Retirement Program (PDV). 779 others are laid off (suspension of the employment contract). Several rounds of negotiations have already taken place, but GM is continuing with the purpose of sacking workers. The automaker has proposed a reduction of 17 rights, but gave no guarantee of job retention. As a way to avoid layoffs, the Union proposes that a production model, the Classic, is maintained in São José dos Campos and that instead of importing cars they are produced in Brazil. The Union also agrees to discuss a new labour agreement, provided there is an assurance of jobs and investment.  Early demonstration Today’s demonstration was scheduled to occur, in fact, tomorrow, on 23 January, but the union decided to advance the action. “We cannot wait for tomorrow. We want this event to echo in Brasilia and that president Dilma sees the struggle of the metalworkers workers”, the president of the Union, Antonio Ferreira de Barros, said. Tomorrow is the Day of Global Action against Attacks from GM, which takes place in eight countries: Brazil, United States, Argentina, Germany, Colombia, Spain, France and Italy. Today’s demonstration in São José dos Campos is part of these activities. |