Deep cuts into the workforce at Peterbilt’s Madison manufacturing plant have taken effect. 677 layoffs were set to take place this week, according to union officials. Peterbilt has filed documents with the state that suggest it may layoff up to 750.
The layoffs represent a cutting of the heavy truck maker’s local ranks by more than half. United Auto Workers local 1832 president Mike Pardue says layoffs are part of the business.
“Like I say, I’ve been through a lot of layoffs and stuff, but this is the first time I’ve seen this many at one time. Generally they go gradually down.”
Pardue says he suspects company officials are avoiding multiple layoffs over time.
Though last year was a record year for truck sales, 2007 is expected to be considerably slower. A Peterbilt spokesman says stiffer emission standards imposed this year caused corporate fleet owners to buy new trucks last year before the tougher rules – and subsequently higher truck prices – kicked in.
Both company and union officials say there’s been no talk of shutting down the Madison operation.
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