The third shift cut at the General Motors’ Oshawa plant has been postponed to Jan. 30, 2026, the company and the union representing workers confirmed on Tuesday.
The change means some 750 GM workers will remain on the job until the new year, while 1,500 more who work for auto part suppliers will likely have their jobs extended as well. Last week, CBC News reported on one supplier that had planned to slash nearly 250 jobs by the end of this month.
GM’s third line shift was previously expected to be cut in early November this year, according to Unifor Local 222 President Jeff Gray — though the company had not publicly committed to a date.
GM spokesperson Ariane Pereira confirmed the three shifts will continue through January 2026 in an email on Tuesday.
“At that time, the plant will return to a two-shift operation and continue preparations to build the next generation of full-size, gas-powered pickups,” she said.
“We continue to work closely with Unifor to support employees throughout this transition.”
In May, GM announced it was moving to two-shift operation amid what it called an “evolving trade environment.” That announcement came after U.S. President Donald Trump levelled a 25 per cent tariff on auto parts that aren’t CUSMA-compliant and the non-U.S. portion of assembled vehicles in April.
A Unifor memo posted Tuesday continued to blame the potential line cut on “dirty politics from the U.S.”
Unifor Local 222 added in a Facebook post: “GM has recognized that our members make a highly profitable truck, in the most efficient manner.”
“Local 222 will continue to fight any job loss.”
The temporary reprieve is a positive for Oshawa’s economy.
Statistics Canada information released last week shows Oshawa’s unemployment rate has climbed to nine per cent, the second highest in the country.
Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter said on Sunday he’s “very concerned” about the rising unemployment rate during an interview on CBC’s Rosemary Barton Live, adding he’s hopeful governments can work with GM to prevent the third shift from being cut.
“We need a plan to move forward, to protect those jobs,” he said.
The only city with a higher unemployment rate is Windsor, which has also been stung by the auto tariffs.
