Confidential memo said ‘transition’ to 2-shift schedule will begin in June at Ontario auto plant [Video]

A confidential in-plant memo from General Motors Canada has confirmed to its unionized employees that the transition to a two-shift schedule announced May 2 will begin in June.

Plant Director Jake Currie said in the memo there will be “no permanent layoffs’ announced next month and that the company is not able to confirm which shifts will be impacted.

A statement from Unifor, which represents nearly 3,000 workers at Oshawa Assembly, said the shift reduction – which happens officially in September and will result in the loss of 700 jobs – is due to U.S. President Donald Trump “imposing tariffs on Canadian-made vehicles.”

“GM is one of the most powerful companies in North America and is appeasing Donald Trump on the banks of this membership.”

Unifor Local 222 said in another memo that employees can submit questions or comments on the company’s operation plans on an anonymous form, with the …