It's official, update from the CBC:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/general-motors-closure-oshawa-assembly-plant-1.4920438
Originally Posted by CBC
Thousands of General Motors assembly plant workers in Oshawa, Ont., halted production this morning before hearing the devastating news that the automaker plans to close the facility in 2019.
It's not clear how many of the 2,500 employees will lose their jobs as part of a global restructuring move to lower carbon emissions and prepare for a future of electric and autonomous vehicles, but GM confirmed the closure Monday of the plant, which is about 60 kilometres east of Toronto, and said it is exploring options to retool the facility.
Unifor, the union representing autoworkers in Oshawa, said late Sunday it has not heard "complete details of the overall announcement," but was told no vehicles are set to be assembled at the facility past December 2019.
"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," the statement read, noting that contract negotiations were slated for 2020.
The union will hold talks with GM on Monday afternoon. Premier Doug Ford is also expected to comment on the situation when he's at Queen's Park before noon.
The Detroit-based automaker had been quiet on the expected move since news broke Sunday evening.
But GM chairman and CEO Mary Barra revealed during a morning news conference in Detroit that it would be terminating production at the Oshawa facility, along with two other complexes in Detroit and Warren, Ohio.
"This industry is changing very rapidly and we want to make sure we're well positioned," Barra told reporters, noting the automaker will be focusing on its future through investment in autonomous and electric vehicles.
GM has yet to set a timetable for the production halt at the Oshawa plant, but confirmed it will take place sometime in 2019.
Workers inside the plant stopped production shortly before 9 a.m. ET.