GM to cut third shift at Oshawa Plant, over 1,000 jobs at risk

General Motors is moving forward with plans to eliminate the third shift at its Oshawa assembly plant, a move expected to impact more than 1,000 union jobs across the facility and its supply chain.

The shift reduction, announced earlier this year, marks one of the largest setbacks for Oshawa autoworkers in recent years. Union estimates indicate up to 1,200 Unifor members could complete their final shift as operations are scaled back, despite GM reporting $10 billion in North American profits last year.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Thursday the provincial government will support affected workers and urged the federal government to intervene. Unifor representatives voiced frustration over the cuts, citing ongoing trade uncertainty and fears of increased electric vehicle imports from China.

A meeting at Unifor Local 222 highlighted worker concerns about competitiveness, tariffs, and corporate priorities, with union leaders emphasizing loyalty and community impact. GM says the decision is tied to operational adjustments and slower demand in the electric vehicle sector.

Mayor of Oshawa, Dan Carter, released this statement on the matter:

On behalf of the City of Oshawa, I want to express our heartfelt compassion and support for the GM employees and their families who are affected by this transition. We understand this is a difficult and challenging time.

GM’s presence here has brought innovation, investment and thousands of jobs. We’re proud of Oshawa’s automotive legacy that spans more than a century. Oshawa Assembly remains a leader in its award-winning operations, producing both heavy- and light-duty Chevrolet Silverado pickups – GM’s most important market segment in North America. Our talented workforce continues to play a vital role in meeting demand for these vehicles. Oshawa is also home to GM’s advanced research facilities, including the McLaughlin Advanced Technology Track at Oshawa’s Canadian Technical Centre.

We will continue to work closely with GM, Unifor and the Provincial and Federal governments to identify new business, partnerships and investments to bring new advanced manufacturing opportunities and pathways to the great City of Oshawa.”