General Motors Canada yesterday announced that senior laid off staff will get 70 per cent in GM and EI benefits of their regular weekly earnings from nine months to up to two years.
They will also continue to have access to health care coverage, it said.
“As announced in May 2025, Oshawa Assembly will return to two shifts of production beginning February 2, at which time approximately 500 employees will be placed on layoff,” said a GM statement issued yesterday.
“Under the GM-Unifor collective agreement, all hourly seniority employees impacted by the production adjustment at Oshawa Assembly are eligible to receive GM-paid Supplemental Unemployment Benefits (SUB) that, when combined with Employment Insurance (EI), equals 70 per cent of their regular weekly earnings and they will continue to have access to health care coverage,” the statement said.
“The duration of these benefits depends on the employee’s tenure and can range from nine months to approximately two years,” GM said.
It said impacted employees will also receive outplacement support, including resume writing and interview preparation, support from Service Canada on EI claims, counselling and mental health services.
GM said it has worked closely with Unifor to support employees through this transition with comprehensive separation packages, retirement support and other benefits.
Next Production Moves
GM said preparations continue at Oshawa Assembly to build the next generation of gas-powered full-size pickups, supported by a $280 million investment that reinforces Oshawa’s future in GM’s full-size truck program.
Oshawa Assembly is GM’s only North American plant building both light-duty and heavy-duty Chevrolet Silverado pickups on the same line, and a portion of Oshawa continues to support aftermarket parts focused on stamping, related sub-assembly and other activities for GM.
St. Catharines Propulsion continues to play a key role and will produce GM’s next-generation of V8 engines, which power high-demand full-size trucks and SUVs.
CAMI Assembly continues to be assessed for future opportunities, said GM.
Heartfelt Compassion: Carter
“On behalf of the City of Oshawa, I want to express our heartfelt compassion and support for the GM employees and their families who are affected by this transition. We understand this is a difficult and challenging time,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. Added: GM Canada employs thousands of Canadians across manufacturing facilities, a multi-campus advanced tech and software centre, parts distribution network, and corporate offices.
“We will continue to work closely with GM, Unifor and the provincial and federal governments to identify new business, partnerships and investments to bring new advanced manufacturing opportunities and pathways to the great City of Oshawa,” he added.