Stellantis Has Cut 200+ Supplemental Workers In Detroit

Stellantis made another significant cut to its workforce in Detroit this week, with over 200 supplemental workers losing their jobs at a warehouse facility. The move is part of the automaker’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations amidst challenging market conditions.

The recent round of cuts saw 239 workers affected at the Freud Street parts sequencing facility near the Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP), part of the Detroit Assembly Complex. Although around 20 workers were later reinstated due to staffing issues, the impact on the workforce remains substantial. This reduction follows previous terminations, including 539 workers in January across various facilities and 341 more in the Toledo Assembly Complex, which produce the Jeep® Wrangler and Gladiator the previous month.

“Stellantis continues to review its manufacturing operations to ensure all facilities are operating as efficiently as possible in very challenging market conditions with all actions in accordance with the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement,” said Stellantis spokesperson Jodi Tinson, referencing the latest United Auto Workers (UAW) deal. “To ensure compliance with contractual commitments, the Company has been reducing the number of supplemental employees across much of our U.S. footprint.”

Those supplemental workers, who are union members, have played crucial roles in covering shifts for full-time employees at Stellantis facilities. However, they typically receive lower pay and fewer benefits than their full-time counterparts. The new UAW contract has led to many of them being either terminated or converted to full-time status.

UAW Local 12, who represents workers at the Toledo Assembly Plant, expressed concerns over the layoffs, noting additional cuts at prominent suppliers to the Jeep plant. KUKA, responsible for building bodies for the Gladiator pickup, laid off about 70 workers, while Syncreon, involved in parts sequencing, is expected to lay off 80 workers. A slowdown in Gladiator sales are believed to be the reason for the layoffs.

The layoffs have sparked frustration among some full-time employees, leading to petitions demanding reinstatement and full back-pay for terminated workers.

Source: Detroit News