GM to shutter all Oshawa operations

Auto giant General Motors is preparing to shut down all operations at its Oshawa facility by the end of December 2019, slashing thousands of jobs.

The Oshawa plant currently produces Cadillac XTS (2012-Present), Chevrolet Impala (1999–Present), Chevrolet Silverado (2018-Present), and the GMC Sierra (2018-Present). However, the auto manufacturer has recently shifted its production focus, moving towards lower-emission and autonomous vehicles. Oshawa isn't the only facility the manufacturer is closing, plants also affected are Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly in Detroit, Michigan; Lordstown Assembly in Warren, Ohio; Baltimore Operations in White Marsh, Maryland; and Warren Transmission Operations in Warren, Michigan.

“The actions we are taking today continue our transformation to be highly agile, resilient and profitable, while giving us the flexibility to invest in the future,” said GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra. “We recognize the need to stay in front of changing market conditions and customer preferences to position our company for long-term success.”

Unifor, the union representing auto workers at the Oshawa plant, has responded to reports of the closure.

"Based on commitments made during 2016 contract negotiations, Unifor does not accept this announcement and is immediately calling on GM to live up to the spirit of that agreement," said the union in a statement.