Michigan faces job losses as GM restructures: 1,314 employees affected

General Motors (GM), a leading automotive manufacturer, has announced layoffs affecting 1,314 employees at two of its Michigan plants, connected to significant changes in vehicle production. This development follows GM’s restructuring plans that involve a shift towards electric vehicle production.

GM’s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice, filed on Thursday, revealed that 945 jobs would be cut from January 1 at its Orion Assembly plant in Orion Township. This move relates to GM’s October announcement delaying the production of two all-electric pickups by a full year, resulting in the idling of the Orion factory. Approximately 1,000 workers from this plant will be transferred to other GM facilities within the state.

The decision to delay the production of the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV has led to a significant reshuffle at Orion. GM now plans to “retime the conversion” of the Orion Assembly plant for EV truck production, with a restart scheduled for late 2025.

In another WARN notice, GM indicated that 369 jobs would be cut at Lansing Grand River Assembly/Stamping, owing to the end of production of the Camaro muscle car. These layoffs will occur in phases, beginning January 1 and concluding in March.

In response to these layoffs, GM has stated that it will offer affected employees alternative positions within the company. This move is part of GM’s broader strategy to realign its workforce and production capabilities in the face of evolving industry demands, particularly the shift towards electric vehicles.

This restructuring reflects the challenges faced by the automotive industry as it navigates the transition to sustainable transportation solutions. While GM is gearing up for future innovations, the impact on its current workforce underscores the complex nature of this transition for traditional automakers.