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GM layoffs begin today

LORDSTOWN — As many as 1,200 workers at the General Motors Lordstown Complex, which produces the Chevrolet Cruze, could be laid off today as part of the elimination of the plant’s second production shift announced in April.

The first round of layoffs was expected June 15, but the company pushed back the date by a week. Layoffs are scheduled to continue in waves until September.

Employees were offered the option to retire early or to accept a buyout to avoid being laid off. One hundred thirty skilled trades employees and 465 production employees elected to leave voluntarily. It remains unclear how the retirements and buyouts will affect the number of employees laid off.

Dave Green, president of United Auto Workers Local 1112, which represents workers at the plant, says he will be talking to people inside the plant today as employees receive letters regarding permanent layoffs.

“It will be a tough day,” said Green. “We’ll be losing friends and family that will be getting laid off.”

Green said the state will provide resources to laid off employees next week, including finding new employment and assisting in filing unemployment claims.

“We’re making sure we’re doing what we can,” Green said.

The elimination of the second shift was attributed to a switch in consumer preferences from small cars, such as the Cruze, to crossovers, SUVs and trucks.

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