TORONTO - An agreement between General Motors and the Canadian Auto Workers Union could soften the blow of job cuts in Oshawa, but the announcement is being overshadowed with cuts at Ford's Oakville plant.
About 350 would-be workers at Ford are being laid off before they were even able to start their first shift.
Some of the hires went to Queens Park Monday morning to voice their concerns with NDP critic Paul Miller. Many say they quit their old jobs, passed medical exams and aptitude tests in order to join Ford.
The CAW says Ford's decision is in response to slumping demand for trucks and SUVs.
Meanwhile, CAW president Buzz Hargrove tells CP24 that there's a commitment from GM to produce another vehicle at its flex plant in Oshawa, and to add a third shift on its Impala production line next year.
Workers eligible for retirement are also being offered cash retirement incentives of up to $120,000 and a car voucher worth $35,000.
Workers ineligible to retire will be offered similar buyouts. All packages are dependent on years of service.
The news comes a month after company officials announced plans to close the city's truck plant next year, which would have put 2,600 workers out of jobs.
That news was not well received by workers and the union, who had agreed on a collective bargaining agreement until 2011.
