Nearly 250 workers at GM’s Oshawa plant will be laid off by auto parts supplier TFT Global Inc., as General Motors prepares to eliminate its third shift — a move linked to U.S. tariffs introduced by former President Donald Trump. The layoffs are expected to take effect in late September, though union officials say the termination date may be pushed to early November.

TFT, which supplies parts for the Chevrolet Silverado, says its operations are directly tied to GM’s production schedule. None of its 100 salaried employees will be affected. The decision adds to growing uncertainty in Canada’s auto sector, already under pressure from U.S. trade policies and an evolving shift toward electric vehicles.

Oshawa, already grappling with a 9% unemployment rate — second highest in the country — will feel the economic blow. Job losses could extend beyond GM to another 1,500 supply chain workers. Premier Doug Ford has promised retraining support and floated ideas like military vehicle manufacturing to stabilize the sector.

This development highlights the fragile state of Canada's manufacturing economy, where global trade shifts and industry transitions are creating instability for thousands of workers in once-secure jobs.

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Rochelle Raveendran’s original article, “GM Oshawa supplier to lay off nearly 250 workers this month as shift cut looms” was published in CBC on September 5, 2025. Read the Full CBC News story.