The major car manufacturer is expected to make the expansion next year, according to union officials.
Major car manufacturer General Motors is expected to add hundreds of new jobs at its Oshawa plant, according to a memo released by senior union representatives.
“At this time it is forecast that another 500 jobs will be added,” said the note, which was signed by Colin James – president of Unifor Local 222 – and other key figures.
“This will be a very busy time within our facility and challenging to say the least,” it continued. “Having said that, our facility is adding product and jobs and this is positive for the City of Oshawa.”
The mass expansion comes as GM plans to add a second shift to the Ontario assembly plant as well as the capacity to produce pick-up trucks. Output of the tucks is set to begin later this year with plans to boost production in the second quarter of 2018.
New tools, machinery and equipment will mean the plant can produce both cars and trucks – it will be the only facility in North America capable of doing so.
The growing workforce and increased capability is part of GM’s commitment to invest $400 million in the Oshawa facility – a promise the company made as part of its collective agreement in 2016.
The same memo also offered a retirement incentive to Oshawa production workers and any employee who voluntarily resigns between August 1 and January 1 will still be entitled to their 2018 Christmas bonus.
“At this time it is forecast that another 500 jobs will be added,” said the note, which was signed by Colin James – president of Unifor Local 222 – and other key figures.
“This will be a very busy time within our facility and challenging to say the least,” it continued. “Having said that, our facility is adding product and jobs and this is positive for the City of Oshawa.”
The mass expansion comes as GM plans to add a second shift to the Ontario assembly plant as well as the capacity to produce pick-up trucks. Output of the tucks is set to begin later this year with plans to boost production in the second quarter of 2018.
New tools, machinery and equipment will mean the plant can produce both cars and trucks – it will be the only facility in North America capable of doing so.
The growing workforce and increased capability is part of GM’s commitment to invest $400 million in the Oshawa facility – a promise the company made as part of its collective agreement in 2016.
The same memo also offered a retirement incentive to Oshawa production workers and any employee who voluntarily resigns between August 1 and January 1 will still be entitled to their 2018 Christmas bonus.