Daimler Trucks Plan for Layoffs in February

The factory in Portland was the first to hear of the Daimler corporate decision to cut nearly 1,300 jobs overall in North America beginning in February. Up to 250 workers will receive notice in Portland, the rest coming from factories and support positions at locations in Mexico, North Carolina and South Carolina. It’s all due to decreasing orders for new trucks during 3Q and 4Q 2012.

Daimler, which confirmed Tuesday that it was warning workers of potential layoffs, plans an announcement Thursday. About 1,000 work at the Swan Island plant, and another 1,800 at Daimler’s Portland-based headquarters.

Joe Kear, business representative with the International Association of Machinists District W24 Lodge in Portland, said managers have told the 250 workers that their last day will be Feb. 15.

“The company had been optimistic about orders picking up,” Kear said, “but it just never materialized.”

The cuts come a little more than a year after Daimler announced plans to hire at least 1,500 workers at its U.S. factories, which make Freightliner and Western Star trucks. Sales picked up, but then orders for big rigs slowed during the second half of 2012.

More as this item develops, with an official statement expected mid-day, January 31st from the Daimler corporate communications office.