Stellantis announced that it would be implementing modifications at a Jeep plant in Toledo, Ohio, that it claims will result in job losses, as well as temporarily eliminating a shift at one of its Jeep operations in Detroit.
Out of prudence, the automaker—which also owns the Ram, Chrysler, Dodge, and Fiat brands—said it is notifying the relevant governments and the United Auto Workers union of its intent to file Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification notifications. The business highlighted the requirement to control vehicle sales to adhere to California’s state-by-state emissions laws.
The notices, according to spokeswoman Jodi Tinson, identify 1,225 workers at the Toledo Assembly Complex, which produces the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, and 2,455 workers at the Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack plant, which produces Jeep Grand Cherokee models. According to Tinson, supplemental personnel will make up the majority of the impacted Toledo workforce.
The UAW’s spokespeople were contacted to request comments.
Less than three weeks have passed since Stellantis’ UAW-represented workers cast ballots in favor of a new contract that included pay raises, the reinstatement of cost-of-living allowance adjustments, and other benefits. Now, word has leaked of layoffs at the Jeep facilities. Following successful vote results at the other two automakers, that ratification vote signaled the conclusion of this year’s round of UAW negotiations with Ford Motor Co., General Motors, and Stellantis. A historic UAW strike that started in mid-September and targeted particular locations owned by all three manufacturers was part of the negotiations.
Speaker of the Michigan House Joe Tate, a Democrat from Detroit, deemed the announcement alarming.
“I urge Stellantis to reconsider lowering the number of shifts at the Mack Assembly Plant. Layoffs should be the final choice. Those affected by layoffs should not hesitate to get in touch with my office in the meantime if they need assistance finding the resources they need to get through these trying times.