Unifor confirmed plans that General Motors has delayed plans to cut the third shift at the Oshawa Assembly Plant until at least January 30,, validating the union’s efforts to pressure government and corporate decision-makers to protect Canadian jobs in the country’s vitally important auto sector.
It also confirmed plans that Stellantis will return the Windsor Assembly Plant to a three shift operation in the first quarter of 2026.
These decisions by GM and Stellantis are welcome news for Canadian autoworkers, and a sign of life for a critical industry that remains under siege by unfair, unjust U.S. tariffs, said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
However, she pointed out that despite the good news, autoworkers still face a highly precarious situation in Oshawa as well as other auto communities. “But it does show that the work our union is doing and the message our members are sending to decision-makers is making a difference. Fighting back matters.”
Temporary Reprieve
The decision by General Motors to delay cutting the Oshawa plant’s third shift until January 30, 2026, while positive, is only a temporary reprieve. Since the decision to cut the shift was made earlier in May this year, the union has lobbied the company to fully reverse its decision. Workers at the plant currently build the Chevrolet Silverado.
“Our members in Oshawa build a high-quality truck that sells well because it’s made well by highly skilled autoworkers,” said Unifor Local 222 President Jeff Gray. “We will continue to push for the third shift to be maintained and ensure that autoworker jobs in Oshawa aren’t another casualty in this trade war.”
Unifor said it has been steadfast in its assessment that cutting the third shift at Oshawa is not related to slowing sales for pick-up trucks or other market demand factors. GM’s three-month production extension helps verify this position.
While both company decisions are welcomed by the union, the future of the Stellantis Brampton plant remains a key concern for Unifor.
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