Stellantis says layoffs it announced in November for its Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio are on hold.
The company had said the move to cut a shift there would lead to indefinite layoffs in January of about 1,100 union-represented workers, but said Friday that employees should come to work as scheduled.
In a statement provided by spokeswoman Jodi Tinson, the company said it's reassessing its strategy:
"As Stellantis continues to reassess its strategy in North America, the company has decided to extend the WARN notice that was issued in November for the Toledo South Assembly Plant. As a result, no employees will be placed on indefinite layoff on Jan. 5, 2025, due to the previously announced shift reduction. Employees are expected to return to work as scheduled after the new year."
Various Toledo media outlets quoted UAW Local 12 President Bruce Baumhower as citing a lower number of indefinite layoffs of 125 than originally announced, with the possibility that that number could be reduced further.
The news marks a positive change for workers from recent months, with the automaker previously making numerous job cut announcements at its facilities. The initial announcement for Toledo had been framed as part of the company's effort to reduce its inventory levels, one of numerous issues it's struggled with this year.
It's a change since the resignation on Dec. 1 of CEO Carlos Tavares, who was under fire from Stellantis dealers and the UAW. In addition, the company brought Tim Kuniskis, who retired in June after 32 years with Stellantis and its Chrysler predecessor entities, back to the company and put him in charge of the popular Ram truck brand.
The Toledo Assembly Complex comprises the South plant, which produces the Jeep Gladiator, and the North plant, which builds gas-powered and hybrid versions of the Jeep Wrangler.
The automaker builds the Jeep Gladiator at the South plant and gas-powered and hybrid versions of the Jeep Wrangler at the complex's North plant. Stellantis also owns the Ram, Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat brands.
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