Novelis Cuts 10 Jobs, Temporarily Lays Off 70 at Kingston Plant

Novelis announced workforce reductions affecting approximately 80 employees at its Kingston, Ontario, aluminum plant on September 18, 2026, according to Kingstonist, which confirmed the details with the company.

The reductions include 10 salaried employees who were terminated and approximately 70 hourly employees placed on temporary layoff.

If you are a non-unionized Novelis employee who received a severance package, don’t sign it before finding out what you could be owed. Unionized employees should contact their union about their rights and next steps.

On This Page:

• 1. Job Cuts At A Glance
• 2. What Happened?
• 3. Plant Operations And Recall
• 4. Reported Severance
• 5. What Employees Should Do

Novelis Kingston Job Cuts At A Glance

What Happened In The Latest Novelis Layoffs

Novelis says it is reducing production and staffing because of the cost of U.S. Section 232 duties on Canadian aluminum imported into the United States.

In an email to Kingston Daily, Fiona Bell, head of communications for Novelis North America, confirmed the staffing breakdown and the company’s explanation.

The reductions affect roughly one-third of the Kingston facility’s workforce. The plant produces aluminum products for marine, transportation and industrial uses.

This follows a separate round of layoffs on June 11, 2025, when 21 Kingston employees were laid off. Those earlier reductions are not included in the September 2026 total.

Kingston Plant Remains Open At Reduced Production

Novelis has announced a production reduction, not a plant closure. The company told Kingstonist that operating at lower volumes preserves the option to increase production if circumstances meaningfully change.

Novelis also said temporarily laid-off hourly employees could be recalled if production increases, with the company working through the union. The reported statement did not provide a recall date.

What Has Been Reported About Severance

Novelis confirmed to Kingstonist that it is offering severance and outplacement services to support affected employees.

The report does not specify the amounts offered or a severance formula. An offer of severance does not, by itself, establish whether a non-unionized employee is receiving their full entitlement.

What Affected Novelis Employees Should Do

Unionized employees

Contact your union about the temporary layoff, recall rights and any applicable deadlines. Samfiru Tumarkin LLP cannot assist with unionized workplace disputes.

Non-unionized employees

You could be owed up to 24 months’ pay. Your severance depends on factors such as your age, how long you worked for Novelis and your position. Ontario’s minimum requirements are not necessarily your full entitlement.

Have your termination letter and severance package reviewed before signing. Tell the lawyer about any deadline you have been given so you can understand your options before responding.

You can also use our free Severance Pay Calculator for an initial estimate of what you may be owed.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP helps non-unionized employees in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. We can review your offer and help you understand whether you may be entitled to more.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about a publicly reported workforce reduction and the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It does not state or suggest that Novelis, any related company or any other employer acted unlawfully, made an improper severance offer or failed to meet its obligations to any employee.