People in western Kentucky are now being affected by the ongoing General Motors strike, as local factories are making temporary layoffs while negotiations are underway.
South West Kentucky Economic Development Council Executive Director Mark Lindsey tells WHOP News that several local factories that work with General Motors have been affected, which resulted in a couple hundred people temporarily laid off. Lindsey is hopeful they’ll be back to work soon.
He says he does not anticipate any additional significant layoffs.
WHOP News has learned through other sources that Martinrea and Metalsa are among industries with temporary layoffs
Contract talks between General Motors and the United Auto Workers are expected to continue through the weekend and possibly beyond. This is according to UAW vice-president Terry Dittes, who tells members that while there has been some progress there are some big issues that remain unresolved. Insurance costs, a way for temp workers to gain permanent status and profit sharing are among the primary sticking points. Nearly 50,000 union members walked off the job at GM plants at midnight Sunday, marking the first national strike since 2007.