The General Motors’ Oshawa plant has decided to delay the midnight shift cut until January 30, 2026, as confirmed by both the company and the workers’ union on Tuesday. This adjustment means that approximately 750 GM employees will retain their positions until the upcoming year, while an additional 1,500 workers employed by auto part suppliers are likely to see their jobs extended as well.
Last week, it was reported by CBC News that the supplier TFT Global Inc. had originally planned to reduce nearly 250 jobs by the end of this month. However, the company communicated via email on Tuesday that these employees will now keep their jobs 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 no specific date had been publicly confirmed by the company. Since May, Unifor and government representatives have been advocating for sustained production levels at the Oshawa plant, known for producing the Chevrolet Silverado.
“We want to maintain the current truck production momentum,” Gray stated in an interview with CBC News on Tuesday. “Our Oshawa members are dedicated to building high-quality trucks efficiently and safely, generating significant revenue for General Motors.”
Ariane Pereira, a spokesperson for GM, verified via email on Tuesday that the three shifts will be operational until January 2026. Pereira added, “Following that period, the plant will revert to a two-shift model and continue preparations for manufacturing the next generation of full-size, gas-powered pickups. We are collaborating closely with Unifor to assist employees through this transition.”
Chris Waugh, the Unifor chairperson for the Oshawa plant, affirmed that the union will persist in pushing GM to retain all three shifts. “We are reminding the company that these jobs belong to us, not to the U.S.,” Waugh emphasized.
In a recent announcement, it was disclosed that Oshawa currently has the second-highest unemployment rate in the country, reaching nine percent. This uptick in unemployment was attributed to the evolving trade environment, including tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on non-CUSMA compliant auto parts and non-U.S. assembled vehicles.
The delay in the shift cut is a favorable development for Oshawa’s economy. Statistics Canada data released last week revealed the city’s rising unemployment rate, prompting concerns from Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter about preserving jobs. Carter expressed optimism that collaborative efforts between governments and GM could prevent the third shift reduction.
Mayor Carter reassured residents that General Motors has a vested interest in Oshawa’s future. “The senior leadership team at General Motors acknowledges Oshawa’s pivotal role in the Canadian and North American automotive industry. They are committed to preserving vehicle production in Oshawa,” Carter affirmed.