Ford Motor Company has confirmed that workers employed by outside agencies were notified on Friday that it was their last day of work. The announcement comes as part of Ford’s efforts to align capabilities and roles with product and service priorities, ultimately reducing costs. Ford spokesman T.R. Reid stated that people in certain agency positions across various skill teams were informed by their employers that their assignments at Ford have ended.
Although Ford did not provide specific numbers, reports suggest that several hundred white-collar workers in North America are targeted for cuts. The layoffs are expected to primarily affect the Ford Blue and Model e divisions, which focus on internal combustion engine vehicles and technology/electric vehicles, respectively. The Ford Pro commercial unit is not expected to be impacted.
The news of the layoffs has sparked disappointment among affected workers, with one individual expressing sadness at being let go after only three months on the job. The Free Press had previously reported that Ford planned to begin laying off salaried employees on Monday, following the reduction of 3,000 jobs in August. Ford currently employs approximately 174,000 white- and blue-collar workers globally, with 28,000 white-collar workers in the U.S. and 70,000 worldwide.
Despite the layoffs, Ford and other automakers are continuing to hire as they transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles. The industry-wide shift requires aligning skills and cutting costs to fund new investments in the billions of dollars. Ford’s recent ranking below average in the 2023 quality report from J.D. Power further emphasizes the need for strategic changes within the company.
For more information, contact Phoebe Wall Howard at 313-618-1034 or phoward@freepress.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @phoebesaid.
How have the recent layoffs at Ford Motor Company impacted the Ford Blue and Model e divisions?
Ford Motor Company has made the decision to lay off workers employed by outside agencies as part of its ongoing efforts to align roles and reduce costs. The announcement was made on Friday, with Ford confirming that several hundred white-collar workers in North America will be affected. The layoffs are expected to primarily impact the Ford Blue and Model e divisions, which focus on internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicle technology, respectively. It is worth noting that the Ford Pro commercial unit will not be affected by the cuts.
Although specific figures were not provided by Ford, reports indicate that the layoffs will primarily affect workers in certain agency positions across various skill teams. The news has left many affected workers feeling disappointed, with one individual expressing sadness at being let go after just three months on the job. This latest round of layoffs follows the reduction of 3,000 jobs by Ford in August.
Despite the layoffs, Ford and other automakers are continuing to hire as the industry moves towards electric vehicles. This shift requires aligning skills and cutting costs to facilitate substantial investments. Ford’s recent below-average ranking in the 2023 quality report from J.D. Power further emphasizes the need for strategic changes within the company.
For more information, please contact Phoebe Wall Howard at 313-618-1034 or phoward@freepress.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @phoebesaid.
It’s unfortunate to hear about the layoffs of contract workers at Ford Motor Company, but it seems like a necessary step in line with their Ford+ Plan. Hopefully, this restructuring will lead to a stronger future for the company and its employees.