Hundreds of Jeep workers are temporarily off the job. Starting today the second shift of the Cherokee lines will be idled for a week and we're told the layoffs could stretch into two weeks. Workers at the Toledo Assembly Complex have been building the new SUV since June and the new second shift for the Cherokee came on line in August.
According to a Chrysler spokeswoman they have now built the critical number of vehicles they need to stock dealerships. Chrysler leaders have decided to idle the second shift so additional strain is not put on their logistic partners or suppliers. According to UAW Local 12 leaders some of the second shift workers have been temporarily assigned to other jobs in the plant but about 500 second shift workers have been temporarily laid off.
The Chrysler spokeswoman says the move will help get the vehicles to customers as quickly and efficiently as possible. She also says the new Cherokees are still scheduled to be on dealer lots this month,which means within the next week.