Supporting local businesses is one way for residents in Oshawa and Durham Region to assist the families of over a thousand auto workers who are about to lose their jobs due to the end of the third shift at the General Motors plant this Friday.
The shutdown of the third shift will lead to layoffs for at least 500 workers at the Oshawa plant – with union representatives estimating the number closer to 700 – along with many more in the supply chain facing similar consequences.
Joe Cote, Chief Growth Officer at Merchant Growth, an online lending company focused on small businesses, stated that the effects from these job losses will be felt almost immediately.
“When hundreds of paycheques disappear at once, that drop shows up quickly across the local economy, from independent retailers to restaurants and service businesses that rely on steady foot traffic,” explained Cote, who collaborates with thousands of small business owners throughout Ontario. “In the Oshawa area, wholesale and retail trade as well as accommodation and food services employ tens of thousands of people, so a demand shock can ripple out beyond just the plant floor.”
With more than 90,000 individuals in Oshawa’s workforce, these job losses represent a significant hit to the local economy. For every 100 jobs lost in durable manufacturing (like automotive), around 744 additional indirect jobs within communities are jeopardized, affecting local suppliers and eateries.
Furthermore, when workers lose their jobs and receive unemployment benefits that only cover a fraction of their wages, they cut back on spending within the local economy. This impacts restaurants, retail shops, and services significantly,” Cote added.
“Losing a job is a financial shock. It puts immediate pressure on rent or mortgage payments, groceries, and debt; it forces households to pull back on discretionary spending fast,” he continued. “One practical way residents can help right now is to keep more of their everyday spending local because that demand helps stabilize small businesses and supports the local jobs that depend on them.”
The discussion around cutting the third shift has been ongoing since U. S. Presidents initiated a trade war with Canada last spring by imposing 25 percent tariffs on auto imports-leading up to an initial deadline for eliminating night shifts at Oshawa’s truck plant.
This deadline was later pushed back to January 29; however today marks its conclusion as GM Canada officially confirmed losing this shift while promising support through separation packages and other benefits for affected employees.
Unionized General Motors workers along with their leaders filled their union hall this week ensuring their frustrations were heard while vowing to continue fighting for those jobs’ return.
“We produce high quality trucks that generate billions in profits for General Motors. And how does GM repay that loyalty? With disrespect,” said Local 222 Plant Chair Chris Waugh. “GM loves to talk about family first but the truth is simple: GM only cares about profit and our members know it.”
The removal of this overnight shift also results in a production decrease of roughly 48,000 Chevrolet Silverado trucks annually; corresponding directly with production levels shifted from GM’s facility located in Fort Wayne Indiana.
The Oshawa Assembly manufactures both heavy- and light-duty Chevrolet Silverado pickups – which represent GM’s most significant market segment across North America – while also being home to GM’s advanced research facilities including Mc Laughlin Advanced Technology Track located at Oshawa’s Canadian Technical Centre.
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“Losing a job is a financial shock. It puts immediate pressure on rent or mortgage payments, groceries, and debt; it forces households to pull back on discretionary spending fast,” he continued. “One practical way residents can help right now is to keep more of their everyday spending local because that demand helps stabilize small businesses and supports the local jobs that depend on them.”
The discussion around cutting the third shift has been ongoing since U. S. Presidents initiated a trade war with Canada last spring by imposing 25 percent tariffs on auto imports-leading up to an initial deadline for eliminating night shifts at Oshawa’s truck plant.
This deadline was later pushed back to January 29; however today marks its conclusion as GM Canada officially confirmed losing this shift while promising support through separation packages and other benefits for affected employees.
Unionized General Motors workers along with their leaders filled their union hall this week ensuring their frustrations were heard while vowing to continue fighting for those jobs’ return.
“We produce high quality trucks that generate billions in profits for General Motors. And how does GM repay that loyalty? With disrespect,” said Local 222 Plant Chair Chris Waugh. “GM loves to talk about family first but the truth is simple: GM only cares about profit and our members know it.”
The removal of this overnight shift also results in a production decrease of roughly 48,000 Chevrolet Silverado trucks annually; corresponding directly with production levels shifted from GM’s facility located in Fort Wayne Indiana.
The Oshawa Assembly manufactures both heavy- and light-duty Chevrolet Silverado pickups – which represent GM’s most significant market segment across North America – while also being home to GM’s advanced research facilities including Mc Laughlin Advanced Technology Track located at Oshawa’s Canadian Technical Centre.
Last 30 Days: 78,022 Votes
All Time: 1,198,239 Votes
3427 VOTES
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