GM Cuts Oshawa Plant Shift, Affects 700 Workers Amid Tariff Pressures

General Motors will reduce production at its Oshawa Assembly plant in Canada from three shifts to two, citing softening demand and recent U.S. tariffs on Canadian-built vehicles. The decision, expected to result in the loss of about 700 jobs, comes as GM recalibrates the plant to focus on trucks for the Canadian market rather than exports to the U.S. The union representing workers, Unifor, strongly criticized the move as 'reckless' and accused GM of prioritizing U.S. trade relations over Canadian jobs, urging the company to reconsider. Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the announcement 'extremely tough' for workers but noted GM's ongoing commitment to Canadian manufacturing. GM stated it would support affected employees during the transition and emphasized its long-term presence in Canada. Industry observers highlight that the shift reduction reflects broader trade pressures and evolving market demand.