Auto suppliers are feeling the effects of the UAW’s ongoing strike against the Big Three.
Julie Fream of the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, which represents suppliers, says many of their members have already been forced to layoff workers, and those numbers are expected to grow.
“We have seen upwards of 30% of these automotive suppliers lay off workers,” Fream said. “That’s not their entire staff, but they are beginning those layoffs already, and we are expecting those layoffs to increase as the strike continues.”
Once the strike ends, Fream says some suppliers will need at least a week or two to resume production.
Meanwhile, Fream says they’re working with the Biden administration to secure financial assistance for their members. They’re also working with Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office to develop training programs to keep workers employed during the strike.
