CLAYCOMO, Mo. (AP) — Workers at the Ford Claycomo plant are being told to prepare for a yearlong layoff when the assembly line where Ford Escape SUV's are built is retooled.
United Auto Workers Local 249 members told The Kansas City Star (http://bit.ly/pB3OnH ) they learned this week that the shutdown was planned to begin in April and could last for 12 to 14 months. Ford spokeswoman Marcie Evans also confirmed the retooling will begin in April.
The Claycomo plant builds the Escape and the Ford F-150 pickup truck. Only the Escape side will be temporarily shut down, affecting about 2,250 of its 3,800 workers.
Some workers are concerned the shutdown could force them to relocate or lose pay and benefits. Ongoing contract negotiations between Ford and the UAW are dealing with layoff terms.
