Chrysler’s parent company, Stellantis, will lay off up to 2,450 workers from its Warren Truck assembly plant near Detroit as it ceases production of the Ram 1500 Classic truck. The layoffs, effective from October 8, will transition the plant from operating on two shifts to a single shift for general assembly. Production of the Jeep Wagoneer will continue on two shifts.
The shift in focus comes as Stellantis prepares to ramp up production of the new Ram 1500 Tradesman at its Sterling Heights Assembly facility. The Ram 1500 Tradesman features advanced electrical architecture designed to enhance tracking and safety for commercial fleets.
The Warren Truck assembly plant, which currently employs around 3,700 workers represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW), will provide those affected with 52 weeks of supplemental unemployment benefits and transition assistance, along with two years of healthcare coverage.
Stellantis had previously negotiated new labor agreements with the UAW following a historic six-week strike last fall. Recently, the company has also offered voluntary buyouts to its U.S. salaried employees as part of ongoing cost-cutting measures under CEO Carlos Tavares. Tavares has highlighted issues at certain U.S. plants but has not specified which ones.
