Ford lays off 3,000 Dearborn workers… for a week

Ford workers at the Dearborn Truck Plant have been temporary laid-off for a one week period due to a parts shortage. The shortage has affected availability of parts for the 3.7 liter V-6 and the new 3.5 liter EcoBoost V-6, both of which originate in Ford’s engine plant in Cleveland, and are used in the F-150; one of Ford’s best-selling vehicles with a nice profit margin.

The layoff effects about 3,000 hourly and salaried employees on three separate shifts until Monday. A company spokesperson says that the employees will receive unemployment benefits for the week, which should amount to 95% of their take home pay.

Though Ford policy prohibits the naming of the supplier, it said that the problem is one of capacity, and not of quality. During the sales downturn of the past few years, many suppliers cut workforce and production, and have had trouble keeping pace with the increased demand. It is expected by analysts that parts shortages will continue to be a problem for the rest of the decade for this reason.

There are currently no other Ford plants effected by the shortage, and the company is working with its supply base to prevent further issues.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Detroit News