General Motors Layoffs: October 2025 Update + Severance Rights
General Motors of Canada Company (GM Canada) is the Canadian arm of General Motors (GM), which is an American multinational automotive manufacturer. Its core brands include: Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick.
Founded in 1918, GM Canada is headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario. Roles at the automaker include automotive service technicians, machine operators, marketing professionals, sales representatives, administrative staff, human resources employees, and customer service representatives.
Latest GM Layoff Update
Oct. 2025
- GM is slashing more than 3,400 positions in response to new electric-vehicle (EV) policies under US President Donald Trump and sluggish demand.
- GM is ending production of its BrightDrop electric delivery vans at the CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ont. — leaving the future of hundreds of employees uncertain.
In Canada, non-unionized employees at the automaker are entitled to significant compensation (up to 24 months’ pay) when fired or let go. This includes salary, bonuses, commissions, and benefits.
A wrongful dismissal occurs if GM terminates you without cause — or incorrectly “for cause” — and doesn’t provide the correct amount of severance pay.
Laid off at GM? 5 Key Steps
- Don’t sign anything on the spot: Carefully review all documents, including your severance offer. Deadlines from employers aren’t legally binding.
- Keep relevant documentation: Save any termination letters, severance offers, and employer communications.
- Use the Severance Pay Calculator: This tool will help you determine whether you’re being offered the correct amount of compensation.
- Contact an employment lawyer: The experienced team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP will ensure you receive the severance pay you’re legally entitled to — not a dollar less.
- Start searching for comparable employment: This helps mitigate income loss and shows good faith in your claim.
📺 WATCH: Layoff Rights Explained
GM Layoff History
Layoffs can be caused by recessions, downsizing, restructuring, cost-cutting measures, and shifts in operational focus.
Below is a timeline of recent layoffs at GM:
- Oct. 2025: General Motors is ending production of its BrightDrop vans at its Ingersoll plant — leaving the future of hundreds of employees uncertain.
- May 2025: General Motors is reportedly planning to temporarily cut jobs at its Oshawa assembly plant despite plans to move to a “two-shift operation” in the fall.
- May 2025: General Motors is planning to reduce production at its Oshawa assembly plant, affecting hundreds of jobs.
- Nov. 2024: General Motors has reportedly slashed hundreds of jobs in an effort to improve efficiency.
- Aug. 2024: General Motors is laying off a “small percentage” of workers at its Canadian Technical Centre.
- Dec. 2023: Cruise, GM’s self-driving arm, is eliminating 24 per cent of its workforce, or approximately 900 jobs, as it restructures its business.
- June 2020: GM is cutting approximately 700 jobs in Tennessee as it grapples with a slowdown in sales.
- May 2020: Cruise, GM’s self-driving arm, is laying off approximately 150 employees, or eight per cent of its workforce, in a bid to reduce costs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Feb. 2019: GM is cutting at least 4,000 salaried jobs in North America as the automaker restructures its business.
- Jan. 2017: GM is laying off more than 600 employees at its CAMI facility in Ingersoll, Ontario as the company shifts some production to Mexico.
FAQs About Severance & Termination
👉 Can My Employment Contract Limit My Severance?
👉 Are Temporary Layoffs Allowed?
👉 Do Contractors Qualify For Severance?
👉 How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Proven Results from Samfiru Tumarkin LLP
More than 99% of employment law matters are settled in the first few weeks or during mediation. However, when court is necessary, we have the expertise to deliver results — often with legal fees covered by the employer.
HBC Restores Severance After Lawyer’s Intervention
Hudson’s Bay reinstated full severance packages for a group of laid off employees after significant public outcry and the legal advocacy of Lior Samfiru. As reported by Global News, this outcome highlights the importance of standing up for employee rights and getting legal support.
BMO Faces the Music
In Maticevic v. Bank of Montreal, a dedicated long-term employee found justice after being wrongfully dismissed. With Stephen LeMesurier, a lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP leading the charge, they secured a game-changing severance package.
Short Stint, Huge Statement
In Marques v. Delmar International, a high-level executive was shown the door after just 8 months — but didn’t leave empty-handed. Thanks to Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, they secured 4 months of severance, showing even short-term employees deserve big wins.
Lost Your Job? Get Help Now
If you’ve been fired or let go from GM for any reason, don’t sign anything until you speak with the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.
Your employer might be asking you to accept a severance package that doesn’t take into consideration all of your entitlements.
Our employment lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia (BC) have helped many non-unionized employees understand their rights, challenge unfair severance packages, and get what the law truly says they’re owed.
- 👥 Over 50,000 clients helped across Canada
- 💰 Millions recovered in severance and compensation
- ⚖️ No win, no fee — you don’t pay unless we win*
- ⭐ 3,000 5-star Google reviews across Canada (4.7 average)
- 🏆 Recognized as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms by The Globe and Mail
* Conditions apply. Not all cases qualify.
📞 Call us at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.
Contact your union immediately. By law, employment lawyers can’t represent unionized employees.
Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.
About the Author
Lior Samfiru
Lior Samfiru is a Founding Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and the Practice Leader of the firm’s Labour & Employment Law Group. Known for his advocacy and success representing both employees and employers, Lior exclusively serves clients in Ontario, where his extensive experience has made him one of Canada’s most sought-after employment lawyers.
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