In Oshawa, Ontario, the day has arrived that autoworkers have feared for months, with GM Canada set to eliminate a shift at the city’s plant, resulting in over a thousand workers losing their jobs. Approximately 1,200 workers across the auto supply chain are anticipated to finish their final shift on Friday as part of the company’s downsizing of its operations in Canada, as per the union president representing them. GM Canada has acknowledged that around 500 of these individuals are its own employees.
Jeff Gray, the president of Unifor Local 222, expressed disappointment, stating that all efforts were made to sway General Motors, but to no avail. The plant will reduce from three shifts to two, with seniority determining which members get bumped to remaining shifts and which lose their jobs. Gray described the situation as “heartbreaking” for workers who will walk into their shift knowing it will be their last.
GM has assured support for the laid-off workers, offering comprehensive separation packages, retirement assistance, and other benefits. The company plans to revert to a two-shift system while preparing to produce the next generation of gas-powered full-size pickups. Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford mentioned that opportunities in sectors like defense and life sciences will be available for workers affected by the layoffs.
The decision to cut a shift in Oshawa was made by GM shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced tariffs targeting the auto sector. GM cited forecasted demand and trade dynamics for the shift reduction. Unifor National President Lana Payne criticized GM for appeasing Trump at the expense of Oshawa workers’ jobs.
While jobs are being cut in Oshawa, GM is adding 250 temporary positions at its Fort Wayne, Indiana plant, which also manufactures the Chevrolet Silverado. Originally scheduled for November, the layoffs in Oshawa were postponed to January, allowing union representatives more time to advocate for a trade deal and urge GM to reconsider the shift reduction.
Unifor presented a plan to sustain the third shift, but GM rejected it. The number of anticipated layoffs has decreased from 2,000 to between 1,100 and 1,200 due to efforts by in-plant representatives. Gray called for increased support from the national union to address the decline in auto jobs across the province.
Looking ahead, plans are in motion to retrain laid-off autoworkers through programs focusing on resume writing and basic computer skills. Ford emphasized the importance of supporting the workers and ensuring opportunities in alternative sectors. The ongoing CUSMA review and trade talks with the U.S. and Mexico will be pivotal in shaping the future of Canadian industries affected by tariffs.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles and Oshawa MPP Jennifer French called for an action plan to provide certainty for Oshawa workers, urging GM, Ford, and government officials to strategize for the region’s automotive future. Local politicians, including MP Rhonda Kirkland and Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter, have expressed solidarity with the affected workers and pledged to collaborate for new manufacturing prospects in Oshawa.