Whirlpool Corporation has announced plans to end second-shift production at its Amana, Iowa facility, effective July 5. This decision will affect 288 employees, marking another significant change in the plant’s operations as part of the company’s ongoing modernization efforts.
The company stated that the layoffs are necessary to update the Amana plant’s refrigerator lines and ensure the facility remains competitive and viable in the long term. This follows a previous round of layoffs in March, where 341 workers were let go for similar reasons.
In a statement, Whirlpool emphasized its commitment to transforming the Amana plant into a stable and growth-oriented operation. The company assured that it does not anticipate further layoffs as part of this modernization plan and mentioned that affected employees might be recalled under the labor agreement with IAM Local 1526.
Union Response
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, representing the plant’s workforce, expressed strong opposition to the layoffs. The union described the move as a ‘knife in the back of the workers’ and vowed to continue holding Whirlpool accountable for its actions.
This latest development adds to the challenges faced by the Amana community, which has seen a series of workforce reductions over the past year, including a cut of 250 workers last summer. The union’s response highlights the ongoing tension between the corporation’s modernization goals and the impact on local employment.
Original reporting: KCRG News – Cedar Rapids, IA — read the source article.
