Investing.com -- General Motors (NYSE: GM ) has announced a reduction in shifts at its Oshawa Assembly plant in Canada, which manufactures pickup trucks, from three to two. This decision comes in response to a decrease in demand and difficulties related to trade. The company and the union representing the workers, Unifor, confirmed this on Friday.

The automotive industry has been shaken by the tariff policies of U.S. President Donald Trump, prompting companies to reassess their parts sourcing and production output. The Oshawa plant, in particular, assembles light and heavy-duty Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks for the North American market. These vehicles are also produced at factories in the U.S. and Mexico.

Unifor, representing around 3,000 members at the Oshawa assembly plant, criticized GM’s decision to scale back its operations as "reckless". Meanwhile, GM plans to ramp up production at its light-duty truck plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a move first reported by Reuters.

GM’s strategy involves cutting back truck exports from Oshawa to the U.S. and adjusting the plant for Canadian sales, starting in the fall. The automaker stated that this move would affect approximately 700 employees, but did not provide further details. However, GM assured that it would collaborate with partners to support employees through the transition.

This news follows last month’s announcement by GM that it would temporarily halt the production of electric commercial vans at its Ontario assembly plant and lay off some workers due to slow sales.

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