GM to cut shift at its Oshawa plant: union

The union representing GM workers says the company plans to cut a shift at the Oshawa plant.

GM confirmed the shift will be eliminated in the fall and impact 700 jobs.

Unifor said it is calling for swift action following General Motors’ announcement that it plans to reduce its Oshawa Assembly Plant from a three shift to a two shift operation this fall, citing Trump imposed tariffs.

“We will not allow GM to barter Canadian jobs to gain Donald Trump’s favour,” said Unifor National president Lana Payne in a press release on Friday. “Cutting the third shift at Oshawa Assembly is a reckless decision that deals a direct blow to our members and threatens to ripple through the entire auto parts supplier network. GM needs to reverse this short-sighted move before more damage is done.”

In an emailed statement to INsauga.com, GM said the shift cut comes amid changing demand.

“GM’s Oshawa Assembly will return to a two-shift operation in light of forecasted demand and the evolving trade environment,” the statement read.

“These changes will help support a sustainable manufacturing footprint as GM reorients the Oshawa plant to build more trucks in Canada for Canadian customers. GM Canada’s record sales have enabled us to invest $2.6 billion locally since 2020 in new programs, including upgrades at Oshawa for next-generation gas-powered trucks. GM has been building vehicles in Canada since 1918, and we are implementing a plan to keep building here for Canadians for another 100-plus years. The company will work with our partners to support employees through the transition.” 

Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump haven’t begin their talks on a new economic deal, the union noted.

Payne added that the move is “premature and disrespectful.”

The Oshawa Plant assembles light and heavy-duty Chevrolet Silverado pick-up trucks for the North American market, vehicles also assembled at factories in the United States and Mexico.

Unifor represents about 3,000 employees at the Oshawa facility.

GM has not made a public statement on the shift reduction.

Under the Unifor-GM Collective Agreement, GM is required to meet with Unifor in the near future to review all options to prevent or mitigate job loss at Oshawa Assembly, the union said. The union will also seek clarification on any potential impact to the St. Catharines Powertrain Plant, which supplies engines to Oshawa.