By CRM Staff
Toronto, Ontario — November 26, 2018 —Thousands of General Motors assembly workers walked off the line in protest this morning in Oshawa, Ontario, after the company revealed its plans to shut down the plant in 2019.
The factory, which currently employees 2,500 workers, is being closed as a part of GM’s sweeping strategy which aims to lower carbon emissions and prepare for a future of electric and autonomous cars.
The automaker confirmed the news today, stating that the action to transform its product line and manufacturing process would save the company an estimated $6 billion US by the conclusion of 2020.
“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.”
Ontario premier Doug Ford spoke with GM Canada president Travis Hester the day before the announcement; being told the plan to eliminate production in Oshawa was already underway.
During the conversation Ford reportedly asked if there was anything the province could do to prevent the shutdown. Ford claims Hester told him, “that ship has already left the dock,” and that the facility will be closed regardless of federal or provincial intervention.
“They told me straight up there’s nothing we can do, “Ford told CBC.
