06/26/2008, 9:15 AM
CAW News
Hollow victory? GM will build hybrid trucks in Oshawa, plant still closing next year
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.
06/26, 9:27 AM
posted by:
400horseSS
Whats the point?
06/26, 9:28 AM
posted by:
xyunya
^^^GM lacking testicles
06/26, 9:34 AM
posted by:
400horseSS
^^I was thinking because hybrids are a joke.
06/26, 9:37 AM
posted by:
400horseSS
Or maybe to satisfy silly canucks from sabotaging trucks.
06/26, 9:38 AM
posted by:
HemiRoadRunner
No, GM ran their mouth before they remembered they still build a hybrid truck. GM is pissing me off anyway, can’t they make, and stick to, a single decision of theirs? We’re closing the plant, we’re not. We’re closing the plant, we’re not…… We’re building the new Camaro, well not just yet. We’re building the new Camaro, well not just yet. The Volt will sell for under 40K, no it won’t. The Volt will sell for under 40K, no it won’t……..
06/26, 11:02 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Sabotage? Really 400SS. That would imply clandestine meetings, planning and implementation. All of which takes valuable time away from idling in the Tim Hortons drive through for 20 minutes every morning to get a cup of coffee and a maple log on the way to work.
06/26, 11:10 AM
posted by:
61Vette
I’m a huge GM fan, but why in the world would they think I’d buy anything coming out of that plant? I’d get product put together by a bunch of pissed off union workers, who would probably have no desire to screw together a decent truck. With your plant closing down, where’s the motivation for quality? Actually, where’s the motivation to work? They already know they’re fired. Sabotage? Yes, indeed…
Hey, is there a “Jobs Bank” in Canada? Or is that just an American union thing?
06/26, 11:18 AM
posted by:
Need4SSpeed
I’ve always been a firm believer that products that are made in Canada have great quality, and I still do for that matter. I’d rather have my vehicle assembled in Canada then I would in the U.S. if that sounds un-patriotic then oh well, but I actually agree with 61vette’s comment…
06/26, 12:17 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
I wonder what the Canadians have been smoking. Hoping that STRONG TRUCK SALES will keep their plant open. A hybrid truck is still a truck… and it still gets pitiful mileage. It may sell better than the current models are selling.. but it’s not going to be a brand savior or anything.
06/26, 12:43 PM
posted by:
brassmonkey
Anyone see “Gung Ho” with Tom Hanks? Great ****in movie!
06/26, 3:03 PM
posted by:
400horseSS
Johnnycanuck whats a maple log ?
06/26, 6:02 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
OK, I’ll take the bait. It’s when you jerk off after eating pancakes. I don’t know 400SS. I’ve never been to a f*cking Tim Hortons in my life (probably makes me the only one up here), so I guess it’s some pastry thing.
06/26, 8:31 PM
posted by:
Need4SSpeed
^ Oh man johnnycanuck, you’re missing out! MMMMM their iced cappuccinos are awesome!
06/26, 8:41 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I know. I’m a freak. Maybe when they get their liquor licence.
06/27, 1:03 AM
posted by:
bigp
the truck will not sell that well