Todd Forbes, a resident of Oshawa, is facing a dilemma as the looming cut of the midnight shift at the GM plant in the city threatens his job security. Despite his deep roots in Oshawa, where he resides in the south-central region, Forbes is bracing for unemployment come January 30. With a diverse work history spanning manufacturing, maintenance, waste management, retail, and sales, Forbes is contemplating a move to Nova Scotia with his wife and their dog, Gizmo, in search of new job prospects.
Forbes, 48, has been employed at TFT Global Inc., a supplier of auto parts to the Oshawa GM plant, for over a year. However, concerns about his employment gap and Oshawa’s high unemployment rate of nine percent are clouding his job search prospects. He fears that finding a comparable job in Oshawa may prove challenging, pushing him towards considering opportunities in the Maritimes.
The impending shift cut at GM’s Oshawa Assembly will result in approximately 2,000 job losses, affecting both plant workers and supply chain employees. This situation unfolds against a backdrop of escalating unemployment rates nationwide, with Ontario experiencing a significant job decline of around 26,000 positions.
While the uncertainty looms over Oshawa’s manufacturing sector, Mayor Dan Carter remains optimistic about the city’s future. Carter is actively engaging with U.S. and European companies to potentially relocate to Oshawa, emphasizing the city’s potential for technological advancements and research collaborations with local post-secondary institutions.
Despite the challenges, Forbes is hesitant about pursuing retraining in the skilled trades, citing concerns about the time investment vis-a-vis his approaching retirement age. As he contemplates a move to the Maritimes, Forbes acknowledges the emotional toll of potentially leaving behind his close-knit family and community in Oshawa.
As Oshawa grapples with economic uncertainties, the city’s resilience and efforts to attract new industries underscore a glimmer of hope amid the prevailing challenges.