By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-840695.mp3
Tonawanda, NY – The General Motors' Powertrain Plant in Tonawanda will stay opened, but layoffs are expected.
GM will shut down nine U.S. plants and idle three others as part of its bankruptcy plan. The Tonawanda Engine plant will remain in operation but about 200-layoffs are expected. Tim Klipfel of Tonawanda is a union representative of UAW Local 774 which represents the Tonawanda workers. He says they will stop production of the 3.9 engine at the local plant.
"It is good that they are keeping the plant opened. It is a transition time for every body. Our concern is the one line is going to Mexico, but there is a new engine out there, who knows who is going to get it. We are hoping, based on our record over the years, we are in the running for it. But we don't have any definitive answers if we are," said Klipfel.
Klipfel says they were still waiting to learn more about the bankruptcy plan, but at least for now workers know the plant will remain open.
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