Hundreds of layoffs could come for GM
Automaker plans to lay off just under 700 truck workers
By Matt FranklinPONTIAC (WJRT) -- (10/06/08)--The effects of the economy are being felt in the auto industry. Hundreds of job layoffs could be coming to a General Motors Corp. truck plant.
Workers at the Pontiac Truck Assembly were notified last week that the automaker planned to lay off just under 700 workers.
The facility builds two of GM's full-size pickup trucks.
A letter went out to members of UAW Local 594 late last week. The layoff not only affects people in the Metro Detroit area, but also GM workers in Mid-Michigan who travel to the plant.
The letter says the union got notification in September that GM will lay off up to 645 employees. The automaker says that number could also go up.
A GM spokesperson says the layoffs will take effect by Feb. 2. In addition, the plant will reduce its production.
Instead of producing 50 trucks a day, that number will be cut in half.
According to the letter that went out, layoffs could affect employees who started with the automaker after 1997.
So far, workers have been given the warning letter, but GM says workers who will be laid off have not been notified just yet.
GM says this move is a direct result of consumers moving away from large pickup trucks and SUVs.
The Pontiac plant is home to the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado.
The president of UAW Local 594 says he is working to try and keep those job in Pontiac.
Click here for more Mid-Michigan and Flint news
