Ingersoll, Ontario - CAMI Automotive, a joint venture of General Motors and Suzuki, has announced that it intends to lay off 600 workers at its facility in Ingersoll, Ontario as North American auto sales continue to decline.

The company said that it has stopped production of the Suzuki XL7 until existing inventory is sold. It also intends to eliminate the plant’s second shift in 2009.

The Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW) said it is currently in talks with the company to determine whether the job cuts will result in a mass layoff, or if a program of rotating layoffs can be established to keep workers employed, but at a reduced work schedule. The plant currently employs 1,700 people and produces the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent in addition to the XL7.

“Our main objective is to ensure all of our members are protected during this economic downturn,” said Mike Van Boekel, CAMI plant chairperson. He said that should the union and company reach an agreement, workers will be given the opportunity to vote on a program of rotational layoffs on November 23, 2008.