The day that autoworkers in Oshawa, Ont., have been fearing for months has finally come, as GM Canada is set to eliminate a shift at the local plant, resulting in over a thousand job losses.
As many as 1,200 workers are anticipated to finish their last shift on Friday as the company reduces its operations in Canada, according to the union president who represents them.
“We did everything we could … we’ve made our arguments to General Motors,” said Jeff Gray, Unifor Local 222 president, on Wednesday.
GM is eliminating the midnight shift at the plant, which is one of three shifts available. Seniority rules will apply, Gray noted – meaning those with higher seniority will be moved to the remaining shifts while lower-seniority members across all three shifts will lose their jobs.
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Jeff Gray, Unifor Local 222 president, represents workers at the Oshawa plant. He says workers who are laid off will be left in a ‘heartbreaking’ position after they finish their final shift. (Michael Cole/CBC)
Gray mentioned that these workers will find themselves in a “heartbreaking” situation as they arrive for their shift just like any other day while knowing they won’t have a job next week.
“You feel very nervous and anxious that you can continue to provide a living for yourself and your family,” said Gray.
reached out to GM Canada for comment.
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Layoffs at GM’s Oshawa plant were initially slated to take place in November but were postponed until late January. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)
In contrast, GM is adding 250 temporary positions at its Fort Wayne, Ind., facility where both plants manufacture the Chevrolet Silverado.
The layoffs planned for Oshawa were first scheduled for November but got delayed until January’s end.
This delay gave union officials additional time to advocate with the federal government for securing a trade agreement with the United States and urging GM to reconsider its decision on reducing shifts.
When news of this shift cut was initially released, Unifor stated that about 2,000 workers would be affected by layoffs; however Gray reported that number has now decreased to between 1,100 and 1,200 due to efforts made by those representing employees inside the plant.
This month earlier on Gray urged national union leaders for greater support towards workers stating auto jobs throughout Ontario are “disappearing.”
Unifor national needs to do more to protect auto jobs, says Ontario local union head
Unifor Local 222 president says Unifor national isn’t doing enough to protect jobs in Canada’s auto industry. Christian D’Avino sat down with him as union members face layoffs later this month.
Speaking on Wednesday Grey indicated that his team would keep advocating for workers’ interests aiming towards bringing more employment opportunities back into Oshawa.
He explained plans are already underway creating programs aimed at retraining autoworkers who’ve lost their jobs which have previously taken place in locations known as action centres throughout Oshawa and other areas of Ontario.
These sessions might cover topics like resume writing skills along with basic computer skills he added.
“We will do everything in our power to make sure that is up and running as fast as possible and help members through transition,” said Gray.
Union president looks forward CUSMA renewal
GM’s layoffs occurred two days following meetings where prime minister met Canada’s premiers within Ottawa setting stage ahead busy year expected mandatory review regarding Canada-U. S.-Mexico-Agreement (CUSMA).
Leaders from Canada have periodically gathered over past year discussing potential paths forward since Trump’s tariffs continue affecting Canadian industries adversely.
GM increasing production Indiana while cutting hundreds jobs OshawaGeneral Motors has added 250 temporary roles Fort Wayne site preparing let go several staff members during new year.
In December U. S Trade Representative Jamieson Greer informed Congress CUSMA had been “successful certain degree”, yet modifications required before Trump consents extending beyond expiration date set forth currently around2036.
Greer detailed multiple conditions administration expects fulfilled if wants maintain pact including dairy quota system along streaming regulations impacting tech giants such Netflix Spotify Youtube alongside ongoing boycotts some provinces notably Ontario against American alcohol products.
