General Motors Canada has announced a significant delay in the production of electric motors at its St. Catharines Propulsion Plant, now set to begin in 2027—approximately 16 months later than initially planned. This delay impacts around 1,000 workers who have already been laid off as the plant undergoes retooling.
Unifor, the union representing the workers at the facility, has established a labor action center in the Niagara Region to assist laid-off members in securing new jobs. The center offers services including resume support, job search assistance, and mental health programs. Earlier this year, nearly half of the 1,100 workers at the plant were laid off following the completion of production for V6 engines and GF6 six-speed transmissions.
Currently, only about 600 Unifor members remain at the St. Catharines plant, focusing primarily on V8 engine production for GM’s trucks and SUVs, as well as dual-clutch transmissions for the C8 Chevrolet Corvette.
Unifor Local 199 President Jordan Lennox described the delay as “not ideal,” but noted that retooling efforts have already commenced. He expressed optimism that many of the laid-off employees could return once the transition is complete. “We’ve got to have a positive lens that this is going to transition properly,” Lennox remarked.
The delay follows GM’s February 2023 announcement regarding a substantial investment aimed at converting the St. Catharines plant to produce 400,000 electric-drive units annually. GM Canada spokesperson Natalie Nankil confirmed that electric drive unit production is now scheduled to begin in early 2027, shifted from the original target of the fourth quarter of 2025. This adjustment aligns with the company’s global manufacturing strategy as the electric vehicle (EV) market continues to expand.
In addition to the layoffs at the plant, approximately 500 Unifor members in the supply chain have also been affected. Lennox emphasized the union’s commitment to support these members, many of whom are eligible for supplemental unemployment benefits for up to two years. However, he stressed the importance of finding alternative employment during this extended downtime.
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