General Motors To Keep Oshawa Consolidated Line Open Past 2014

TTAC Staff
by TTAC Staff

A brief memo from General Motors Canada confirmed that the Oshawa consolidated line, scheduled to close in 2014, will stay open until 2016. GM is citing strong market demand for the Chevrolet Equinox and the outgoing, Chevrolet Impala (sold as a fleet-only model) as a reason for the decision, but cautioned that ” All scheduling adjustments are subject to market demand”.

Under the terms of the bailout, GM must keep 16 percent of its production in Canada until it has repaid its loan obligations to the Canadian government, or until December 31, 2016. After that date, the future of Oshawa is uncertain.

TTAC Staff
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  • Big Al from Oz Big Al from Oz on Oct 17, 2013

    Judging by the way GM Canada, CAW and even the UAW have influenced and managed themselves the factory will have to close in the medium term. Massive retirement funds are needed to be paid out to the Canadian workers very soon. Like I stated the cost of labour in Canada is higher than the US. The original $4 billion dollars has dwindled down to nearly nothing and is expected to run out in 2014. This money was part of the Ontario governments handout, of course at the tax payers expense. To cover the projected $800 million dollar pension bill debt in 2014 the manufacturer will have to raid its own money. I just hope GM foots the bill and doesn't expect hard working Canadians to pay extra tax to support them. This only lowers the standard of living for many. Maybe other unions should help their 'friends' and pay their pension not society and their taxes.

  • Mikey Mikey on Oct 17, 2013

    @BAFO....With all due respect. I was born and raised in Canada. I also spent 36 plus years at GM Canada. I was a member of the UAW and CAW. I watch and read the news daily. I take great pride in the fact that I stay informed. You sir, havnt got fuckin clue what your talking about.

    • See 5 previous
    • Big Al from Oz Big Al from Oz on Oct 17, 2013

      @Mikey I'm sorry to here that. The people who have problems with me only provide opinion based on their bias. I provide opinion based on data and fact. I'm neither left or right. I assess accordingly. UAW/CAW tend to distort and reduce their involvement and those to the far right do the same. You guys always have the 'it the other guys fault, they made me do it'. Never accountable for you actions. I'm down the middle and independent. I make up my mind and not be lead.

  • Big Al from Oz Big Al from Oz on Oct 17, 2013

    @Mikey or DiM Here's the link, all you give is bull$hit, lie and spin. Typical auto worker tactic, deflect, distort and create ambiguity. Respect? If you guys had respect you wouldn't have made the past decisions you had. Or did you become sincere and learn integrity yesterday? http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/angst-in-oshawa-the-foggy-road-ahead-for-gm-canada/article12755206/?page=all

    • See 1 previous
    • Big Al from Oz Big Al from Oz on Oct 18, 2013

      @wmba 1. I did not state GM Canada went bankrupt. GM removed money from Canada and Australian operations to Detroit. Even now GM Australia wants the government to 'give' them 500 million to remain in Australia. Our government had strings attached and GM Detroit doesn't like the strings. Why? Because our new government expect results in return for the investment of taxpayer dollars. 2. If you read other links and articles you will see how the CAW has taken on the Ontario government to payout the pensions because the CAW don't think the 1992 changes to pension law are 'fair'. 3. wmba, I've had other discussions with you regarding the unions, you are pro union. You are a one of the left wingers. I'm not left or right. 4. Google this particular issue and read up on it, as I've stated there are a number of article pertaining to it. Read the article. Don't put your slant on it, read other related articles so you can a more balanced picture of what is going on. As I've stated this has been quite extensively covered by the media and even TTAC previously. Even if stories are a year old the situation is the CAW pension fund for GM Canada will run dry by 2014. The fund should be 'self' generating. GM Canada only contributes $200 million a year, it needs $800 million next year alone. Who will end up paying the $600 million. So who has been funding the $600 million per year shortfall? The CAW, doubt it. This also doesn't include the $170 million the Ontario government just gave GM to 'renovate' the Oshawa plant. How much taxpayer money is needed to keep these unviable operation going and to save how many jobs?

  • Austin Greene Austin Greene on Oct 24, 2013

    I wonder if the W body Impala will get a rear camera and nav?

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