Recent layoffs in manufacturing - permanent and temporary - may be proof that fears of a slowing economy are not misplaced, says UAB labor expert Judi King. Layoffs or plant closings have been announced in Alabama's four major manufacturing cities: Mobile, Huntsville, Birmingham and Gasden. In the glare of publicity over new Mercedes and Honda plants, the loss of jobs in older plants has been overlooked by the media and the public.
"You have one industry, steel, in real trouble. There's retrenchment in the paper industry, and although the auto industry is healthy overall, the merger of Daimler and Chrysler is having an impact. It's especially stressful at this time of year. People who worked in these plants for many years are facing a New Year uncertain of their employment."
Contact Deborah Lucas, Media Relations, 205-934-8946 or [email protected].
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