As promised, GM will build its hybrid GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado full-size pick-up trucks at the Oshawa, Ontario plant in Canada, but will still close its doors in 2009. Production will start this fall, and the CAW as well as workers at the plant have hopes the truck’s strong sales may change GM’s mind about shuttering the plant.
“After careful consideration, GM has decided to launch the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Hybrid production operations at the Oshawa truck plant,” company spokesman Stew Low said. “This does not impact the decision to cease operations at the plant in 2009 or sooner, depending on market conditions.”
Workers at the plant held a strike upon hearing of GM’s decision to close the plant at the beginning of May, but were ordered by a judge to stop the strike. In mid-May, GM reached a three-year contract with the Canadian Auto Workers, spurring CAW members to say the automaker negotiated in bad faith. The closure would eliminate nearly 2,600 jobs at the plant itself, and maybe twice as much again at related suppliers.
More news regarding the matter is expected later on today, as the CAW and GM sit down for more talks.
