Oshawa Auto Workers Gird for Uncertain Future Amid Latest Cuts

General Motors has announced the elimination of a shift at its Oshawa, Ontario plant, starting in January 2026. This decision is expected to affect approximately 750 workers and risks impacting hundreds of other jobs in the regional supply chain.

In parallel, GM is increasing production in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where 250 temporary positions have just been created to meet the growing demand for the Chevrolet Silverado.

U.S. tariffs blamed
GM’s jobs realignment comes in a context where U.S. tariffs on imported vehicles and parts are distorting competitiveness between Canada and the United States, according to several experts.

The plants in Oshawa, Fort Wayne and Silao in Mexico all produce light-duty Silverado trucks. The Fort Wayne plant also assembles GMC Sierras, while Oshawa manufactures both light-duty and heavy-duty models.

Union reactions on both sides of the border
In Fort Wayne, Rich LeTourneau, bargaining chairman for UAW (United Auto Workers) Local 2209, stated that the decision was not driven by the union but is seen as a way to stabilize employment.

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