More than 500 autoworkers in Oshawa are set to lose their jobs as GM Oshawa layoffs force the closure of one of three shifts at the General Motors assembly plant starting Feb. 2, 2026.
The reduction was originally planned in May 2025, with a one-third job cut initially scheduled for November. While some workers took early retirement or left voluntarily, over 1,000 jobs across the supply chain are expected to be affected.
Jeff Gray, Unifor Local 222 president, expressed frustration over the GM Oshawa layoffs, calling the decision “reckless” and criticizing the company for disregarding workers’ dedication. Unifor national president Lana Payne linked the layoffs to U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies, claiming GM prioritized political appeasement over its Canadian workforce.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford pledged support for affected workers, pointing to employment opportunities in sectors like defence and life sciences, while critics argued more could have been done to shield Ontario jobs from U.S. tariffs.
The GM Oshawa layoffs highlight ongoing challenges for Ontario’s auto sector, as other manufacturers have paused production or delayed investments across the province.
