The General Motors’ Oshawa plant has decided to delay the elimination of the midnight shift until January 30, 2026, as confirmed by both the company and the union representing the workers. Approximately 750 GM employees will keep their jobs until the new year, and an additional 1,500 workers employed by auto part suppliers are likely to see their positions extended as well.
Last week, it was reported by CBC News that TFT Global Inc., a supplier, intended to cut nearly 250 jobs by the end of this month. However, the company has now confirmed via email that these workers will retain their positions until January. Unifor Local 222 President Jeff Gray mentioned that GM’s third line shift was initially anticipated to be eliminated in early November this year, although a specific date had not been publicly announced by the company. Since May, Unifor and government representatives have been advocating for the maintenance of production levels at the Oshawa plant, known for producing the Chevrolet Silverado.
“We are striving to uphold the current production levels,” stated Gray in an interview with CBC News on Tuesday. “The workers in Oshawa are proficient in building high-quality trucks, contributing efficiently and safely to General Motors’ profitability.”
Ariane Pereira, a spokesperson for GM, confirmed in an email that the three shifts will continue until January 2026. Pereira also mentioned that following this period, the plant will transition to a two-shift operation in preparation for manufacturing the next generation of full-size, gas-powered pickups. She emphasized GM’s collaboration with Unifor to support employees during this transition.
Chris Waugh, the Unifor chairperson for the Oshawa plant, reiterated the union’s commitment to urging GM to retain all three shifts. “It is crucial to remind the company that these jobs belong to us, not to America,” Waugh highlighted.
Taking a broader perspective, Oshawa has recently encountered economic challenges, with Statistics Canada data revealing a nine percent unemployment rate, ranking it as the second highest in the country. Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter expressed his concerns about the rising unemployment rate and emphasized the necessity for governmental cooperation with GM to prevent the elimination of the third shift.
The deferred shift cut brings relief to Oshawa’s economy, particularly for families dependent on these jobs. Mayor Carter remains optimistic about GM’s commitment to Oshawa’s future, emphasizing the city’s significance in the Canadian automotive sector and North America as a whole. He reassured that General Motors is dedicated to preserving vehicle production in Oshawa.