Statement by the ILNSS to General Motors (GM) workers in Latin America and the Caribbean against the closure of GM in Colombia and Ecuador, in defence of jobs and rights

General Motors announced today 26 April 2024 the closure of its production units in Colombia and Ecuador. It claims that this is part of the restructuring of its regional business, as it will focus its activities on imports and exports.

In this way, the company is once again offloading restructuring onto the backs of workers in order to increase its profits. This results in the destruction of thousands of jobs in both countries, as well as having a damaging effect on the regional economy.

Companies that benefit from tax exemptions and economic incentives in the millions from governments should understand that they play a fundamental role in the community and cannot leave overnight, leaving thousands of workers in the street. 

From the regional network of trade unions of GM plants we express our disagreement with the closure of the units and the consequent direct and indirect layoffs. Furthermore, we express our solidarity with the affected workers.

We urge the company to reverse this situation, and the authorities of Colombia and Ecuador to prevent these closures and to exhaust all possible instances to find another solution. We demand that all the rights and guarantees of our colleagues in both plants be respected during the process.

Solidarity with GM employees will continue in defence of jobs, working conditions and workers' rights.