GM gears up to produce millions of face masks at Oshawa plant

General Motors will produce one million face masks a month at its Oshawa plant in Ontario after reaching an agreement with the federal government.

According to The Canadian Press, the company will retool part of its plant, similar to the operations its plant in Michigan, to produce the personal protective equipment (PPE).

About 50 workers will work on two shifts to produce the masks, which will be sent to the government at no cost.

The GM plant shutdown in Oshawa in December 2019 affected about 2,600 employees.

In a statement, Ontario Federation of Labour president Patty Coates said more PPE orders are needed for manufacturers. “We urge the government of Ontario to follow the lead of the federal government, use their emergency powers and order manufacturers across Ontario produce much-needed PPE,” Coates said.