Oshawa resident Todd Forbes is facing the prospect of leaving his beloved hometown as General Motors (GM) plans to cut the midnight shift at its Oshawa plant on Jan. 30. This decision puts Forbes, who has been working at TFT Global Inc. supplying auto parts to the plant, out of a job. Despite his diverse work experience, Forbes is concerned about finding employment in Oshawa due to the city’s nine percent unemployment rate.
Forbes, currently residing in the south-central area of Oshawa where the GM plant is situated, has contemplated relocating to Nova Scotia with his wife and dog to seek better job prospects. The impending layoffs at the Oshawa Assembly will affect around 2,000 individuals, including supply-chain workers like Forbes, in addition to the direct GM employees.
The layoffs in Oshawa come amidst a challenging economic landscape, with the national unemployment rate reaching its highest level since 2016 last month. The plant closure also reflects broader industry trends, with uncertainties stemming from international trade dynamics, such as U.S. auto tariffs affecting Canadian manufacturing hubs like Oshawa and Windsor.
While the Oshawa Mayor, Dan Carter, remains hopeful about the city’s future, emphasizing efforts to attract new businesses and support workforce transitions, workers like Forbes are grappling with the imminent changes. Despite potential opportunities in skilled trades, Forbes is hesitant about retraining due to his age and family ties in Oshawa.
As Forbes weighs the possibility of moving to the Maritimes, he acknowledges the emotional toll of leaving behind his community and loved ones. Regardless of his decision, he intends to stay connected with his family in Oshawa, underscoring the personal sacrifices and challenges faced by individuals impacted by the shifting economic landscape.