General Motors cutting shift at Oshawa plant, affecting hundreds of jobs

What’s going on at General Motors?

General Motors (GM) is planning to cut one of its three shifts at its assembly plant in Oshawa, Ontario in the fall.

The automaker announced on May 2 that it has decided to reduce production at the facility — which makes Chevrolet Silverado trucks — “in light of forecasted demand and the evolving trade environment.”

Jeff Gray, president of the Unifor local at GM’s Oshawa plant, claims the move will not only affect around 700 hourly jobs, but also 1,500 to 2,000 employees at parts suppliers that operate within the facility and at other factories.

The union is calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney and his political counterparts to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump as soon as possible and “fix the [auto] tariffs.”

According to reports, approximately 3,000 people work at GM’s Oshawa plant.

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Reaction from Canadian officials

Anita Anand, minister of innovation, science, and industry prior to the recent federal election, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that she’s “profoundly disappointed” by GM’s decision.

“Our government introduced relief for the auto sector on the assumption that manufacturers maintain their production levels in Canada,” Anand’s post reads.

“I want to be clear: the federal government is entitled to revise these previous commitments, should we not see a long-term investment and production plan in Canada.”

I am profoundly disappointed to hear of the forthcoming layoffs at the GM Oshawa assembly plant. This is extremely difficult news for our workers, and we will be there to support them. GM’s investments in Canada, often in partnership with our government, have made significant…

— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) May 2, 2025

Next steps for General Motors employees

If you’re fired or let go from GM, understanding your legal rights is crucial.

Non-unionized employees in Ontario are entitled to severance pay. The amount you’re owed is based on a variety of factors, including your role, tenure, age, and ability to find similar work.

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru delves into severance pay on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Compensation: Severance packages, which can be as much as 24 months’ pay, may include salary, bonuses, commissions, and other forms of compensation. Use our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator to better understand your entitlements.
• Deadlines: You generally have up to two years from the date of your termination to review and negotiate severance offers.
• Action steps: Consult an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to ensure your severance package is fair and aligns with Canadian employment laws.

Major employers slashing staff

A looming workforce reduction at GM’s Oshawa assembly plant comes amid a flurry of layoffs in 2025.

Other big names, including Expedia Group, Morningstar, Intel, Infosys, Google, Microsoft, S&S Activewear, Siemens, HPE, Wayfair, MLSE, Disney, Autodesk, JPMorgan, Vale, and Canada Post, have also pulled out the axe as they navigate challenging economic conditions.

SEE ALSO
• Estée Lauder reportedly cut all Canadian staff in Hudson’s Bay stores
• Canada’s immigration department slashing workforce by 25%
• Where are layoffs happening in Canada?

Lost your job? Contact us

If you’ve been fired or let go from GM, the experienced Oshawa employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help.

Our lawyers in Ontario have helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals resolve their workplace issues.

Call us today at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

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.