Layoffs Coming Amid MI Auto Workers Strike

MICHIGAN — An automotive supplier is planning to lay off more than 290 employees across four Michigan facilities in October due to the United Auto Workers strike against Detroit's Big Three, according to a document submitted to the state.

CIE Newcor, a tier one and tier two supplier to the automotive industry, plans to layoff 293 workers from factories in Corunna, Owosso and Clifford, according to the document.

In addition to the anticipated layoffs, the company also warned it may have to temporarily close factories amid the UAW strike against the Ford, General Motors and Stellantis, according to the document.

While talks between the union and Detroit's Big Three picked up over the weekend, the two sides did not reach a deal. If the two sides come to an agreement, the company did not address in the document if it would still move forward with the expected layoffs.

Ford Motor Company also warned Friday the strike could force the automaker to temporarily lay off 600 non-striking employees at its assembly plant in Wayne.

The historic UAW strike against Detroit's Big Three began Friday morning after the union's contract expired without a new one in place. It's the first time ever the union launched a strike against all three automakers at the same time.

As of Monday morning, the "stand-up" strike targeted three plants: GM Wentzville Assembly, Local 2250 (Missouri), Stellantis Toledo Assembly Complex, Local 12 (Ohio) and Ford Michigan Assembly Plant, final assembly and paint only, Local 900 (Michigan). It's possible the strike could spread to other plants.

Ford, General Motors and Stellantis offered the union multiple proposals that included a 10 percent wage increase from GM, a 14.5 percent increase from Stellantis and Ford's 9 percent increase and a 6 percent lump sum added after.

The union rejected all offers after initially calling for a 46 percent wage increase and a 32-hour workweek for its members. The union also wants to eliminate the wage tiered system, restore cost of living adjustments, end temporary workers after 90 days and increase multiple retiree benefits.