Ford's Layoffs Will Affect Local Workers

[Roland99]

Ford's Layoffs Will Affect Local Workers
Move Is Different From Temporary Shutdowns
http://www.thelouisvillechannel.com/automotive/4494556/detail.html

LOUISVILLE -- On the heels of its dismal first-quarter report, Ford Motor Co. Monday announced some layoffs that will affect its Louisville presence.

Ford laid off one crew for this week only at the stamping plant. But next week, another crew of about 50 workers will be without work. Temporary shutdowns are not uncommon at the local Ford plant, but a temporary layoff is an entirely different problem, WLKY NewsChannel 32's Ben Jackey reported Monday.

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Some of the 5,300 hourly workers wonder what effect slumping Explorer sales will have on their departments at the Fern Valley Road facility. Ford's production continues to plummet; last year, some 370,000 Explorers rolled off the Louisville and St. Louis assembly lines, Jackey reported.

Ford projects at least a 25 percent drop this year after it reduced production in St. Louis by laying off hundreds of workers. Dealers said they think competition is the driving force behind the drop, particularly with the emergence of newer, more budget-minded makers.

[liberalnurse]

1. Is this from *bush country?

Well, it is to be expected...

[Roland99]

2. Red State...Blue County.

Jefferson County went for Kerry but this is also home to two megachurches (whose combined construction costs ~= $100 million) that have hosted a gay-bashing fest and the "Just Us Sunday" event.