General Motors temporarily idling Ingersoll plant, affecting hundreds of jobs

What’s going on at General Motors?

General Motors (GM) is temporarily halting production of the BrightDrop electric delivery van at CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll, Ontario — affecting hundreds of jobs.

“GM has informed Unifor that CAMI Assembly will initiate temporary layoffs starting April 14 with workers returning in May for limited production,” Unifor Local 88 said in a news release on April 11.

“After that, production will temporarily cease with operations idling until October 2025…When production resumes in October, the plant will operate on a single shift for the foreseeable future — a reduction that is expected to result in the indefinite layoff of nearly 500 workers.”

The automaker said the move is related to market demand and high inventory of the BrightDrop vehicle, not the ongoing Canada-U.S. trade war.

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Temporary layoffs: Your rights

It’s crucial for non-unionized workers at GM to understand that temporary layoffs are considered illegal in Canada — 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’s decision to temporarily halt production at its Ingersoll plant comes amid a flurry of job cuts in 2025.

Big names, including Google, S&S Activewear, Siemens, Prepac, MPG Canada, Nissan, HPE, Wayfair, MLSE, Disney, Autodesk, JPMorgan, Vale, Canada Post, Workday, ADM, Amazon, and Shopify, have 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?

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, we can assist you on a broad range of employment matters, including:

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. are 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.