Despite a revised contract with the United Auto Workers (UAW) and recent progress at the Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio, Stellantis has decided to reduce its workforce. WARN notices will be issued on December 7, 2023, and layoffs are expected to take effect as early as February 5th, 2024 – leaving 1,000 supplemental employees and production operators affected by this decision. Thankfully, UAW Local 12 President Bruce Baumhower is advocating for new hires to receive full-time positions and senior employees to be offered the opportunity to take time off to minimize the fallout.
Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, has made a bold decision to reduce its workforce at the Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio. Despite having recently reached a new contract agreement with United Auto Workers (UAW) members, 1,000 supplemental employees and production operators will be affected by the layoffs. Nevertheless, Stellantis remains proud of its commitment to the UAW and confident that this decision will help secure the future of the plant.
The WARN notices will be issued on December 7, 2023 with the layoffs taking effect as early as February 5, 2024.
Despite this news, UAW Local 12 President Bruce Baumhower remains determined to protect the affected workers and their families. He has proposed offering layoffs to senior employees who may be interested in taking time off, allowing new hires to secure full-time positions. These efforts are made possible thanks to the hard-fought protections gained through the recent contract negotiations, which will provide stability for workers during this difficult period.
U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, and Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz have also expressed their unwavering commitment to safeguarding jobs at the Jeep plant, reinforcing its significance as a top employer and a major contributor to Toledo’s economy.
The UAW and Stellantis have reached an agreement of historic proportions. This contract brings substantial gains to union members, including a 25% raise in wages over the life of the contract and the reinstatement of pre-2009 Cost of Living Adjustments and three-year wage progression. Additionally, the deal eliminates long-term temp jobs and wage tiers, while granting a $5,000 bonus for members. As the industry transitions to electric vehicles, this agreement also provides the opportunity to unionize new electric battery plants. The UAW can stand proud of their hard work and dedication to securing these improved provisions which will benefit all members.
The UAW and local authorities have demonstrated their commitment to protecting workers’ rights with the contract agreement reached between Stellantis and the UAW. This agreement not only provides support to the affected employees and their families at the Toledo Jeep plant but also sets a positive precedent for future negotiations and industry developments. Despite the announcement of more than 1,000 layoffs, the commitment from the UAW and local authorities is an inspiration that will ensure the impact on the workforce and community is mitigated.
Ultimately, with the looming layoffs in February 2024, the workers at Toledo Assembly Complex face an uncertain environment. It is thanks to the union’s negotiations that safety nets are in place to allow senior employees the choice to take off and new hires the opportunity to slowly settle into proactive roles., With any luck, Bruce Baumhower will win in his mission to make sure every employee affected leaves in a secure position. Fortunately, Stellanti’s efforts add up to a tangible response of honoring their promise and commitment towards strong and reliable labor practices.
