GM to temporarily cut jobs at Oshawa plant despite production reduction

What’s going on at General Motors?

As General Motors (GM) prepares to move to a “two-shift operation” at its assembly plant in Oshawa this fall, the automaker is reportedly planning to temporarily cut jobs as well.

“This is especially disappointing given last week’s announcement,” Unifor said in a statement on May 9.

“[It leaves] workers facing increased instability and uncertainty.”

The union, which represents 3,000 employees at GM’s Oshawa plant, added that it will meet with the company to review options to mitigate permanent job losses.

SEE ALSO
• General Motors temporarily idling Ingersoll plant: Employee rights
• Thunder Bay’s Alstom plant preparing to shed more 200 jobs
• ‘Better than nothing’: Trump temporarily softening impact of automotive duties
• Trump Tariffs Canada: Layoffs, Severance, and Employee Rights 

Temporary layoffs: Your rights

It’s crucial for non-unionized workers at GM to understand that temporary layoffs are considered illegal in Ontario — unless you agreed to the layoff or it’s addressed in your employment contract.

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru outlines five facts about temporary layoffs on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

If you’ve been temporarily laid off, contact an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

You might be able to pursue full severance pay through a constructive dismissal claim.

Key severance facts

• Severance can be as much as 24 months’ pay — depending on your age, length of service, position at the company, and ability to find new work.
• Non-unionized employees in Canada have up to two years from the date of their termination to pursue full severance pay.
• Hired as an independent contractor? You might actually be an employee — entitling you to a severance package.

Major employers slashing staff

GM isn’t the only major employer scaling back its staffing levels in 2025.

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

SEE ALSO
• Nissan reportedly set to axe 10,000 jobs in latest round of cuts
• 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?

Workplace issue? Contact us

Since 2007, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals resolve their workplace issues.

In addition to temporary layoffs and severance package negotiations, our Oshawa lawyers can assist you on a broad range of employment matters, including:

Our Ontario team is standing by and ready to enforce your rights.

Contact us or call 1-855-821-5900 to get the advice you need and the compensation you deserve.

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.