In an update, TFT Global Inc. announced that around 250 workers at General Motors’ Oshawa plant are facing layoffs, with their jobs secured until January 2026 due to GM postponing the third shift cut. The decision comes amidst concerns over U.S. tariffs impacting the Canadian auto sector.
TFT Global Inc., a supplier for GM’s Oshawa plant where the Chevrolet Silverado is produced, disclosed that 245 hourly employees out of 873 will be terminated on September 26, along with three other workers. Salaried employees will not be affected by the layoffs, according to the notice posted inside the plant.
Unifor Local 222 president, Jeff Gray, representing TFT Global Inc. workers, anticipates an extension of the termination date to early November pending an official announcement from TFT. The uncertainty has left workers anxious about their futures, especially with the looming third shift shutdown by GM.
The job losses will have a significant impact on Oshawa’s economy, as recent data from Statistics Canada shows a spike in the city’s unemployment rate to nine percent, the second-highest in the country after Windsor. The local job market has been hit hard by the dwindling transportation and warehousing sectors, shedding thousands of positions.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed concerns over the situation, emphasizing the need for stability in the face of trade uncertainties, particularly with President Trump’s tariffs. Ford highlighted the province’s investment in retraining programs and potential support for GM, including the prospect of military vehicle production.
Despite the impending challenges, workers are hopeful for extensions on termination notices, as indicated by an inside source at the plant. The ongoing uncertainty has left employees on edge, with many facing potential earnings reduction even if they secure alternative employment opportunities.
GM’s shift reduction plans have been a cause of concern since May, when the company announced transitioning to a two-shift operation due to trade environment changes. The move is expected to impact approximately 750 GM workers and ripple effects throughout the supply chain, affecting an additional 1,500 jobs.
The automotive industry in Oshawa has been navigating turbulent times following the implementation of tariffs on auto parts and assembled vehicles. GM’s spokesperson emphasized the shift changes as part of aligning manufacturing operations to meet customer demands, particularly for truck production in Canada.
As the industry grapples with uncertainties, suppliers and workers are bracing for the fallout from the tariffs and production adjustments. The lack of a specified date for the shift cut at GM’s Oshawa Assembly has added to the anxiety among workers, who are eager for stability in the manufacturing sector.