JUNE 25, 2020 — DISCONTINUING THIRD SHIFT, 680 EMPLOYEES LAID OFF
General Motors has announced that three operational vehicle assembly shifts will be reduced to two and impacting 680 employees commencing on July 31, 2020.
A company spokesperson noted, “Today’s market conditions continue to evolve as we see the impact of Covid-19. We believe the best way to react to this unforeseen change in our market is to reduce output and operate on two shifts effective immediately. This adjustment allows the plant to maintain stable production, protect the value of our brands in any sales environment, and to provide the smallest impact to plant employment going forward.” Spring Hill is currently producing the Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, and GMC Acadia.
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General Motors has announced that it will lay off up to 1000 overnight shift workers at their sport-utility plant in their Spring Hill, Tennessee assembly plant. According to a General Motors spokesperson, the sales of their GMC Acadia and Cadillac XT5 crossover SUV has been moderating. It is anticipated that some workers may be able to transfer to other areas that makes engines and other vehicle parts. This realignment of production is to be expected. According to published reports, GM has laid off approximately 5,000 factory workers across a half-dozen plants since late 2016, mostly those involved with the production of passenger cars. There are plans to spend $300 million to re-tool the plant to produce a new 2019-2020 Cadillac crossover.
According to United Auto Workers 1853 Chairman Mike Herron said. “We have been told we will be having a line reduction, meaning we will have fewer cars coming through the assembly line than usual. That’s the extraordinary thing about this business one minute, you’re working seven days a week, up to 12 hours a day, with all hands on deck. The next minute, it’s back to five days and 40 hours.”
Published reports put other vehicles on the chopping block in the near future. Since the United Autoworkers acquired a chunk of General Motors ownership under an arrangement during the Obama administration, they appear to have a conflict of interest in maximizing profits and keeping their members gainfully employed.
It is another reason for individuals to develop multiple independent sources of income and to be prepared for turbulent times.
Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?