GM Workers Go On Strike In Brazil

Bertel Schmitt
by Bertel Schmitt

Chevrolet’s Celta, Prisma and Onix models will be in short supply when workers General Motors’ Gravataí plant in southern Brazil go on strike for higher pay and shorter hours. Workers of the plant’s first and third shifts already approved the strike, Reuters says, the second shift is expected to follow suit today.

The plant’s 4,500 workers demand a 12 percent pay increase and a reduction in working hours to 40 per week from 42. They turned down GM’s offer of an 8.29 percent raise and a 41 hour work week by next January,

Bertel Schmitt
Bertel Schmitt

Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.

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  • Challenger2012 Challenger2012 on Apr 24, 2013

    Workers in Brazil better wake up before companies close down shop. There is no free lunch unless you are a politician or a banker. I know shipyard workers at Angra dos Reis in Brazil are supposed to work 40 hours a week. But on Friday, when paychecks are passed out at noon, the entire shipyard work force leaves. Being a westerner, I work my 10 hour day, regardless.

  • Commando Commando on Apr 24, 2013

    The Corporate Anti-union Division is already out scouting their next country. Only when their last country available gets down to the Democratic Republic of Congo will workers anywhere have a chance. Otherwise, status-quo for another 40 - 50 years. Now in other news....

  • Philadlj Philadlj on Apr 24, 2013

    To Marcelo: I don't recall where you're based, but is it anywhere near Gravataí? While I'm sure it would be difficult, some on-location coverage would be greatly appreciated, much like when TTAC went into Chattanooga to hear from workers firsthand. Though to be fair, the workers there weren't on strike...

    • See 1 previous
    • Lorenzo Lorenzo on Apr 25, 2013

      @TurboX How long since their last pay raise? A 6% inflation rate compounded can be very painful after 3-4 years. We don't have enough detail for our best and brightest commenting efforts.

  • R H R H on Apr 24, 2013

    One of my in-laws works for GM Brazil...actually 2 of them. I'm going to ask the wife what the family news says for a more personal look.

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