GM meeting with Unifor Tuesday in Detroit about Oshawa plant future

General Motors (GM) has spoken to Unifor national president Jerry DiasMonday and a face-to-face meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday afternoon in Detroit, Mich., about the future of GM's Oshawa, Ont., plant.

A response was expected from the company Monday after a December meeting between the two parties, on whether GM would be willing to work with the union representing autoworkersto keep the Oshawa plant open.

GM's decision which would also see production shifted to Mexico has been contested by the union.

Unifor national president Jerry Diasmet with GM Dec. 20 to discuss the company's Oshawa plant closure.

A Unifor petition to save the Oshawa planthas more than 31,000 signatures.

The petition says GM is betraying taxpayers and "putting Canadians out of work," reminding General Motors that "loyalty is a two-way street."

It also unveiled an ad spot geared at putting pressure on the automaker.

What GM says will set the tone for arally planned for Jan. 11 at Windsor's riverfront.

"GM's decision to leave Oshawa without product while ramping up manufacturing in Mexico is a slap in the face to all Canadians," said Jerry Dias, Unifornational president in the rally announcement.

Unifor is looking for both the provincial and federal governments to step into the conversation.

The rally on Friday is expected to be larger than one held Dec. 19.