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Feb 11, 2022 - Economy

Canadian protests lead to auto factories shutting down

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Street near Canadian Parliament buildings Feb. 10 in Ottawa, Ontario. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

"Freedom Convoy" protests are hurting workers in the auto sector.

Why it matters: Demonstrations have blocked the flow of commerce on one of the most important corridors between the U.S. and Canada, leading factories to shut down due to supply shortages.

  • One early estimate shows this week's disruptions alone could have led to more than $51 million in direct lost wages for Michigan autoworkers, a report from consulting firm Anderson Economic Group shows.

Details: The estimate takes into account full-time employees who are on site in factories that make cars and parts for Toyota, Honda, GM, Ford and Chrysler in Michigan.

  • It also includes Michigan workers in Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, and transit and logistics businesses connected with the automakers.

What to watch: Similar protests could begin on Super Bowl Sunday in the Los Angeles area and spill over next month into D.C.

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