Background on the Situation
Nissan recently announced that it will close its CIVAC plant in the Mexican state of Morelos and relocate production to Aguascalientes. This news has left approximately 2,000 sindicalized workers at the CIVAC plant feeling uncertain and concerned about their future.
Who is Armando Campa Quezada?
Armando Campa Quezada leads the Sindicato Independiente de Trabajadores de Nissan Mexicana, which called for an extraordinary assembly to address the plant closure. His leadership will continue until November 2025, providing stability and direction for the workers during this challenging time.
Nissan’s Reasons for Closure
Nissan cited the implementation of its ReNissan plan as the primary reason for reducing its global production footprint from 17 plants to 10 by fiscal year 2027. This adjustment aims to cut production capacity from around 3.5 million units to 2.5 million, thereby reducing fixed costs and improving efficiency.
Workers’ Concerns and Nissan’s Response
While all CIVAC workers are expected to continue their employment until the plant’s final production, Nissan assured them of detailed communication regarding upcoming steps. The company also pledged to minimize the impact of this decision, support workers with respect and empathy, and ensure full compliance with labor regulations.
Saint Gobain’s Production Status
Joaquín Guzmán, General Secretary of the Sindicato Independiente de Saint Gobain, reported that his company continues to produce for Nissan without any announced reduction in glass production. However, he noted that several Nissan models had already stopped being manufactured at CIVAC six months prior.
Aguascalientes and CATEM’s Role
Pedro Haces Barba, the leader of CATEM (Confederación Autónoma de Trabajadores y Empleados Mexicanos), represents the collective labor contract for Nissan in Aguascalientes. He confirmed that he will hold meetings with Nissan representatives next week to discuss the CIVAC closure in Morelos and the transition of operations to Aguascalientes.
Haces Barba’s Cautious Approach
Given the uncertainty surrounding tariffs and U.S. President Donald Trump’s decisions, Haces Barba advised patience, particularly until after August 1st. Despite scheduled meetings with Nissan for the upcoming Monday and Tuesday, he recommended waiting until Friday for a clearer understanding of the company’s decisions.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Armando Campa Quezada? He leads the Sindicato Independiente de Trabajadores de Nissan Mexicana, which represents the sindicalized workers at the CIVAC plant.
- Why is Nissan closing the Morelos plant? The closure is part of Nissan’s ReNissan plan to reduce global production costs and improve efficiency by consolidating operations in fewer plants.
- What is the status of Saint Gobain’s production for Nissan? Saint Gobain continues to produce for Nissan without any announced reduction in glass production, despite several Nissan models having stopped being manufactured at CIVAC six months prior.
- What is Pedro Haces Barba’s role in this situation? As the leader of CATEM, which represents Nissan workers in Aguascalientes, Haces Barba will meet with Nissan representatives to discuss the CIVAC closure and transition of operations.
- Why is Haces Barba advocating for patience? He urges patience due to uncertainties surrounding tariffs and U.S. President Donald Trump’s decisions, recommending waiting until after August 1st for a clearer understanding of Nissan’s decisions.
