General Motors has confirmed that it will work to boost employment next year as the vehicle manufacturer shifts to electric vehicles, which may reduce the need for manual labor.
Amid workers’ concerns regarding work opportunities, GM manufacturing chief, Gerald Johnson, affirmed that the shift to EV production would not reduce the need for workers. “We actually expect our employment numbers to grow in 2024,” Johnson claimed in a video message.
GM’s pledge comes after several of its major competitors have embarked on a shift to EV-powered operations. Ford revealed that its EVs required 40% less labor to build than current internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Together with Chrysler-parent Stellantis, GM and Ford engaged in contract talks with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union last month ahead of the September 14 expiration of the current four-year labor deals with the auto companies.