The end of an era: Hundreds of workers at the General Motors (GM) Oshawa Assembly Complex gathered for their final shift early Friday morning, signaling the closure of the plant's third shift and the onset of substantial layoffs that will significantly impact the auto industry in the region.
As the last midnight shift concluded at 6:30 a.m., over 700 GM employees said their farewells, marking a poignant moment for them and foreshadowing further job losses that will affect many more individuals within the supply chain.
"When we finished our shift, we exchanged goodbyes and wrapped things up," shared one GM worker from Oshawa during a segment on Breakfast Television outside the factory. "There’s a mix of emotions… Some are feeling down about it. Many now face the daunting task of finding new employment, which is really tough… It’s disheartening."
Under union regulations, while some workers with higher seniority may have the opportunity to transition into available shifts, the union, Unifor, has indicated that most affected workers will not be afforded this option.
These layoffs arrive during a period of heightened frustration among the workforce, who feel they are bearing the brunt of escalating trade disputes between Canada and the United States. The imposition of a 25 percent tariff on vehicles manufactured in Canada by the U.S. administration has led to significant shifts in production strategies across the automotive landscape, and many employees in Oshawa believe they are experiencing the fallout directly.
"Workers are anxious about how they will meet their financial obligations and support their families. It’s a frightening situation. The atmosphere inside the plant is quite tense right now," expressed GM Chairperson Chris Waugh on Friday.
"We need our government to prioritize the interests of the United States instead of focusing on other nations. A staggering ninety percent of our trucks are traded with the U.S. We should be pushing for a favorable trade agreement with them—not with China or Korea."
In May, GM announced plans to eliminate the third shift, coinciding with increased production of the Chevrolet Silverado at their facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The Oshawa plant is responsible for manufacturing both light- and heavy-duty Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks.
Interestingly, these layoffs were announced in the same week that GM reported impressive pre-tax earnings of over $12 billion for the year 2025. The company also outlined intentions to enhance shareholder value through increased dividends and a substantial $6 billion stock buyback initiative. This stark contrast has only fueled the frustration felt by employees facing job loss.
In a statement, GM emphasized its commitment to assisting employees during this challenging transition by collaborating with Unifor to provide comprehensive severance packages, retirement assistance, and additional benefits, noting that affected workers will receive Supplemental Unemployment Benefits that, when combined with Employment Insurance, will total approximately 70 percent of their usual weekly earnings.
