‘Anything but good’: Jeep workers concerned about losing their jobs after layoffs announced

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG/Gray News) – Workers at a Jeep factory in Ohio are concerned over the announced layoffs as the company takes further steps to cut high inventory at dealerships.

Kirk Hoddinott works at the Toledo Jeep factory and says he is concerned he could be one of the 1,139 workers included in the laid-off announcement.

Stellantis made the announcement on Wednesday as it looks to reduce production of the Gladiator vehicle to one shift.

“It’s been a full year of surprises,” 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 is great to sit at home and get a check, but I’m not. I’m a person that likes going to work. I like being productive. Makes me feel like I have a secure job to work at,” he said.

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

“When I was a kid, my dad worked at Jeep, and he had medical retirement. They took care of him as a medical retiree and kept his insurance going. So, I always grew up thinking that this is a good job,” Hoddinott said. “But 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.”

A spokesperson for Stellantis shared the following statement regarding the situation:

“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.”

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