TORONTO, July 26 (Reuters) - General Motors of Canada was forced to idle two plants in Ontario on Monday, affecting about 6,000 workers, after employees at one of its suppliers went on strike, a GM spokeswoman said.
The country's biggest automaker scrapped the second shifts at the two Oshawa plants, which make models such as the Chevrolet Impala and Pontiac Grand Prix, due to a parts shortage after TDS Automotive workers walked off the job.
The supplier makes just-in-time deliveries of subassembly components for steering columns, among others parts.
"We're hopeful that TDS and their union will be able to reach a settlement quickly," said GM spokeswoman Pam McLaughlin. "We have a lot of confidence in the collective bargaining process.... We're hopeful it'll turn around.
McLaughlin declined to speculate on how long the plant idling might last, saying: "It really hinges on the supplier and the union's ability to reach a settlement."
Neither TDS nor union officials could immediately be reached for comment.
McLaughlin said GM's third shift was still scheduled at Oshawa Plant 1 which makes the Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo models. Oshawa Plant 2, where the Buick Regal and Grand Prix are made, only has two shifts.
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