Oshawa (Rajeev Sharma ): General Motors has announced plans to scale back operations at its Oshawa, Ontario plant, moving from three shifts to two amid shifting demand forecasts and rising trade tensions fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
The move has sparked outrage from Unifor, the union representing roughly 3,000 workers at the plant. In a statement Friday, Unifor called the decision “reckless” and warned that it will send shockwaves through Canada’s auto parts supplier network.
GM defended its decision by citing changes in the trade landscape and future demand, saying the adjustment will support “a sustainable manufacturing footprint” as the company refocuses the Oshawa plant to prioritize truck production for the Canadian market.
While the automaker did not specify the number of jobs at risk, Unifor fears that the reduction in shifts could lead to significant layoffs and economic uncertainty in the region.
The development comes just days after Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged to confront Trump’s tariff policies head-on, vowing to protect Canadian industries from trade disruptions during his upcoming meeting with the U.S. President.
