The Sindmetal metalworkers’ union released a statement stating that General Motors (GM) has decided to reverse the decision to lay off 1,245 employees at its factories in Sao Jose dos Campos, Sao Caetano do Sul and Mogi das Cruzes in the state of Sao Paulo.
After a Brazilian labour court rejected the US automaker’s request for an injunction to support the layoffs on 3 November 2023, it has been mandated that the company cannot carry out any more layoffs of new employees without the necessary negotiations in advance.
The Sindmetal union celebrated this significant win after a 13-day strike, calling the reversal of the layoffs a commendable and ‘historic’ achievement. It was revealed in a release that GM officials would meet with union representatives to formalise the agreement.
The restoration of jobs resulted from the united efforts of workers in three cities. GM employs 4,000 workers in São José dos Campos, where it produces engines, gearboxes, the Trailblazer SUV and the S-10 truck.
After this recent development, GM representatives have arranged a meeting with union leaders to formally announce the reversal of the layoffs in Brazil.
GM workers in Brazil initiated strike against layoffs two weeks ago. While GM has cited the layoffs as a move to enhance cost efficiency, the workers, supported by their union, were urging the company to reconsider its decision.
