Marion GM still down about 200 workers

Chronicle-Tribune staff reports

About 200 people are still temporarily laid off at the Marion General Motors plant as a result on the ongoing American Axle & Manufacturing strike, UAW Local 977 President John Pence said.

That number is down from a high of 469 UAW members in Marion that were idle in late March.

There will be no significant recalls next week, Pence said, meaning that number should remain level until at least early May.

Pence said the recalls thus far have been the result of increased production of vehicles at the Fort Wayne plant, for which Marion is a significant supplier.

GM spokeswoman Alicia Kocher said the Fort Wayne assembly plant was back to work three weeks ago producing Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras. Additional workers were required at the Marion plant as a result, she said.

Almost all of those still laid off have begun to receive unemployment and sub pay, Pence said.

The American Axle strike is in its 58th day today. Media reports indicate the two sides are not close to a settlement.