29 temporary workers become permanent at Lordstown GM plant

Staff report

LORDSTOWN

Two weeks after converting 100 temporary assembly workers to permanent jobs, GM Lordstown is converting an additional 29 workers.

A flier distributed by United Auto Workers Local 1112 on Saturday says the union and company reached an agreement Thursday to make the 29 more jobs permanent, effective May 14.

“This is good news for our entire membership. It means another 29 members will have job security and in a few months receive much needed health care benefits for themselves and their families,” the union leadership said in the statement.

“There are approximately 40 temporary members who still need to be converted to permanent status,” said the statement, signed by Ben Strickland, UAW Local 1112 shop chairman, and Jim Graham, 1112 president.

“Your leadership is committed to doing everything possible to provide job security for our entire membership.”

The Lordstown Assembly complex is working three shifts to meet ongoing high demand for its signature product, the Chevrolet Cruze. Sales, however, of the popular compact car, dropped significantly in April.