Breaking: Unifor Blocks Access to GM Canada

Unifor members have stationed themselves outside of General Motors Canada’s head office in Oshawa

By: Gary Grant January 23, 2019

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Shorty after 5 am on January 23rd, Unifor members have stationed themselves outside of General Motors Canada’s head office in Oshawa, blocking access to the facility, in protest of the upcoming shut down of the Oshawa Assembly plant.

Workers from Oshawa assembly, some feeder plants and retirees have blockaded Colonel Sam Road, ahead of other businesses. Employees of neighbouring businesses have been allowed in, but those with GM credentials are being turned away.

“We’re hoping General Motors will consider changing their decision and we’re here for the long haul, we’re here until they come to their senses and change their mind,” says Unifor local 222 President Colin James.

GM’s response came via Twitter, where the company said “Unifor blockade of road access in Oshawa today. Illegal actions like these affect third parties and cannot be condoned. GM’s work will not be affected today as we are prepared with alternate plans.”

Unifor blockade of road access in Oshawa today. Illegal actions like these affect third parties and cannot be condoned. GM’s work will not be affected today as we are prepared with alternate plans.

— GM Canada (@GMcanada) January 23, 2019

James says that the union members are ready to hold the line as long as needed to get their message across.

The message is loud and clear: “@GM you may forget our genoursity but we will never forget your greed.” – Greg Moffatt Oshawa GM Plant Chairperson #sellherebuildhere #SaveOshawaGM #Canlab #onlab pic.twitter.com/QwnI9r5HOY

— Unifor Canada (@UniforTheUnion) January 23, 2019