General Motors Canada is preparing big changes for its operations in Oshawa, according to multiple reports.
The Globe and Mail, along with Global News and other sources, is reporting that the automaker will shutter its centre of operations east of Toronto.
There has been no official word from GM as of Sunday night, and a spokesperson for GM Canada declined comment when contacted by the paper, but the report indicates that employees were being told to expect an announcement Monday morning.
GM has at least 2,800 employees stationed in Oshawa, with 2,500 of them being union positions, according to Global. The Detroit-based automaker's Canadian subsidiary has had a presence in Oshawa for over a century and has produced a host of models.
The reports of potential changes in Oshawa are coming as GM is undergoing a global restructuring of its operations, though it is not known if the reported closure is a part of that restructuring.
Ontario MPP Jennifer French, the NDP's infrastructure, transportation and highways critic who represents Oshawa at Queen's Park, reported on the possible closure on her official Twitter account Sunday night.
"I find these reports gravely concerning," said French. "If GM is indeed turning its back on 100 years of industry and community, abandoning workers and families in Oshawa, then this is a callous decision that must be fought."
https://twitter.com/jennkfrench/status/1066859730889555974
Meanwhile, Unifor Canada issued a statement of its own on its official website. Its Local 222 represents workers at the Oshawa centre. The statement says that while they have not been provided with complete details, they have not been told of a facility closure, but rather no product has been slated to be built at the Oshawa facility beyond 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," read the statement in part. "Unifor is scheduled to hold a discussion with General Motors tomorrow (Monday) and will provide further comment following the meeting."
The Oshawa operations of GM are fed by suppliers across southern Ontario. It is too early to determine if there will be any effect.
This is a developing story. Keep following BlackburnNews.com for the latest updates.