On Wednesday, Goodyear began notifying employees of the layoffs, which will take effect June 1.
“It was a shock,” said a plant employee, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Nobody was expecting that many (layoffs).”
Goodyear spokeswoman Amy Brei says the job cuts are linked to production curtailments at Chrysler. The automaker filed for bankruptcy protection last week.
None of Goodyear’s other North American plants will be affected.
“The product lines in Medicine Hat are unique,” Brei said. “They’re only plant that makes the convenient spare tire that goes into the trunks for Chrysler.”
The economic downturn has severely punctured Goodyear’s profits, prompting the company to take drastic measures in recent months.
Thirty-five employees were laid off at the plant in March, and the operation was shutdown for one week in April.
The plant has also been downgraded from a seven-day operation to a four-day operation.
Nevertheless, yesterday’s announcement of additional job cuts, which will reportedly be made according to seniority, were welcomed by a 20-year employee of the plant.
“I think it’s about time,” said the employee, who expects the layoffs will eliminate the need to further reduce work hours at the plant.
“Streamlining the business will be better for Goodyear down the road.”
A spokesperson for the plant could not be reached for comment Wednesday. (Tire Review/Akron)
