Unifor President Jerry Dias said he anticipates assembly plants coming back online will do so initially as one-shift operations whenever it is determined that they can safely re-open.

The plan paves the way for deep cleaning and other worker protections while defusing union pressure for a two-week shutdown.

Because Canadian subsidiaries of U.S. automakers take their cues from their overlords south of the border, decisions about health and safety might not be best for the general public here, or even align with our own government’s policy. Canada risks becoming infected by foreign policy that has been slow and uncoordinated, adding further confusion when we need clarity and consistent action.

Product has been taken away from General Motors plants in Oshawa and Ingersoll facilities in Ontario despite the facilities being two of the automaker’s "best" in the world.