GM Lordstown Production Won’t Change After Shutdown

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – After meetings in Detroit with officials from General Motors, union leaders at the plant in Lordstown have announced that the complex’s production speed won’t be changed after a shutdown this summer, preventing further layoffs.

“At this point in time, the previously announced de-rate has been postponed indefinitely,” said a flyer posted on the Facebook pages of UAW locals 1112 and 1714. “This will preserve jobs and allow us to pursue our [Global Manufacturing System] journey uninterrupted.”

A two-week shutdown is still planned for the end of June and an extended break period is scheduled for the first two weeks of July. The production slowdown was scheduled to take place after the summer break.

“This postponement preserves jobs and is a result of ongoing joint efforts to improve the competitiveness of the Cruze in the marketplace and volume opportunities for Lordstown,” said a second post on Local 1714’s page.

The letters – posted separately but with the same content – were signed by UAW 1112 President Glenn Johnson and UAW 1714 President Robert Morales. Neither could be reached for comment.

Each union will hold a meeting early next week, the Facebook pages said.

In January, the third shift at the plant was eliminated due to slowing compact-car sales, affecting more than 800 jobs.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.