Some Jeep workers concerned about their jobs after Stellantis announced layoffs

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – Kirk Hoddinott works at Toledo Jeep and is concerned he will be one of the 1,139 workers laid off when the company reduces production of the Gladiator to one shift.

Stellantis made that announcement Wednesday.

“It’s been a full year of surprises,” said Hoddinott. “It’s later in life to start a new career and the thought of having to start a new career now is not a warm feeling at all.”

Hoddinott was hired full-time in November 2023 after the UAW Strike resulted in a new contract with Stellantis. He was moved to a parts plant in Detroit in February, then back to his hometown of Toledo in July.

Hoddinott said he’s been laid off week-to-week since September 2024.

“I’d love to say I’m a person that it’s great to sit at home and get a check, but I’m not. I’m a person that I like going to work. I like being productive. Making my, making me feel like I have a secure job to work at,” added Hoddinott.

Although Hoddinott works on the Wrangler side of the plant, he says seniority allows those on the Gladiator side to move over and displace newer employees.

Now, this 50-year-old father of three is preparing for the potential to be on layoff through the holiday season and beyond.

“Actually, when I was a kid my dad had worked at Jeep and he had medical retirement from Jeep from issues, and they actually took care of him as a medical retiree and kept his insurance going, so, to me, I always grew up thinking that this is a good job, and this last year has been anything but a good job because as soon as you think things are going well, you get one thing after another after another,” said Hoddinott.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Stellantis writes:

“As Stellantis navigates a transitional year, the focus is on realigning its U.S. operations to ensure a strong start to 2025, which includes taking the difficult but necessary action to reduce high inventory levels by managing production to meet sales.

As a result, the Company will adjust the operating pattern at the Toledo South Assembly Plant, moving from a two-shift to a one-shift operating pattern, while also improving overall efficiency across the Complex. These actions will result in the indefinite layoffs of approximately 1,100 represented employees.

These are difficult actions to take, but they are necessary to enable the Company to regain its competitive edge and eventually return production to prior levels. In accordance with the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Company will provide affected employees with one year of supplemental unemployment benefits (SUB) in combination with any eligible state unemployment benefits, equalling 74% of their pay, followed by one year of transition assistance. Healthcare coverage also will continue for two years.

The Company has issued WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) notices to the respective state and local governments as well as the UAW. These actions will be effective as early as Jan. 5, 2025.”

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