200 jobs on the chopping block at Ford's Oakville plant, starting in September

Ford Motor Company's Oakville plant is set to shed about 200 jobsbeginning in September, the company says.

In a statement, the companysays the changes are the result of a "long-standing practice of matching production with consumer demand."

In a message to members, Unifor Local 707 presidentDave Thomas says he was called to the plant manager's office on July 17to discuss changes to upcoming scheduling and various restructuring measures. Thomas says employees could see further layoffs in January 2020.

"We have been arguing as a Local for the past several weeks trying to persuade the company from somehow avoiding this scenario but to no avail. As always, it's based on a business decision and it all comes down to dollars and cents," Thomas's letter said.

Province 'disappointed' with decision

A statement from the spokesperson for Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedelisays the province was "disappointed to learn of Ford's decision."

"We want the employees in Oakville to know that our government stands with them and their families. We will work with our partners to continue to fight for good jobs in Oakville and support the affected families," Robert Gibson said.

The statement goes on to say theMinistry of Training, Colleges and Universities has also been in contact with the Ford company, offering support to the affected workers."Ford informed the Ministry they have made arrangements to provide support and do not require any additional help from Employment Ontario," it said.

Opposition leader Andrea Horwathalso issued a statement calling out government "inaction" in the face of the layoffs.

"Our thoughts are with the ...workers, and their families, at the Ford Oakville Assembly Plant who will be hurt by layoffs. Unfortunately, they've been let down by Doug Ford, just as he let down workers at GM Oshawa and Bombardier in Thunder Bay," Horwathsaid.

"Once again Mr. Ford is sitting on his hands instead of fighting to protect good auto sector and manufacturing jobs," the statementcontinued.

Themove is just the latest blow to the automotive production sector in Ontario, coming just months after thesudden announcement that General Motors will stopmaking cars in Oshawa, Ont., which sent shock wavesthrough the industry last November.