Aerial of GM Oshawa Assembly Complex (CNW Group/Unifor)

General Motors says it will end the third shift at Oshawa Assembly on Feb. 2 as the facility moves to two shifts of production, a change the company first announced in May 2025. In a press release on Jan. 29, GM said about 500 employees will be placed on layoff as part of the adjustment.

In a separate statement on Jan. 29, Unifor, which represents hourly workers at the plant, said the shift elimination will result in more than 700 direct job losses, with additional impacts expected among supplier companies.

GM said it has worked with the union to provide separation packages, retirement options and other supports. According to the company, eligible hourly employees will receive Supplemental Unemployment Benefits that, combined with Employment Insurance, equal 70 per cent of regular weekly earnings, along with continued access to health benefits. GM said workers will also receive outplacement services and counselling.

The automaker said preparations continue for a $280‑million investment to support production of its next generation of gas‑powered full‑size pickup trucks. Oshawa Assembly builds light‑ and heavy‑duty Chevrolet Silverado models on the same line, and part of the facility will continue to support aftermarket stamping and sub‑assembly work.

In its statement, Unifor linked the shift reduction to the 25 per cent U.S. tariff on Canadian‑built vehicles and said GM increased Silverado production in Indiana before confirming the decision. The union said it had proposed an option to retain the third shift until collective bargaining begins in fall 2026.