On Friday, November 15, GM layoffs once again made headlines as the automaker announced it was letting go of nearly 1,000 employees. The decision, driven by “reorganization” and “cost-cutting” efforts, sent shockwaves through its workforce. General Motors confirmed the layoffs were part of a broader strategy to trim $2 billion in fixed costs as the company struggles with slowing U.S. sales, weaker business in China, and a more measured shift to electric vehicles (EVs).

However, the GM layoffs were not isolated to any single department. They impacted a wide range of employees - from suburban Detroit to the automaker’s global technical center in Warren, Michigan.

While some roles were eliminated due to performance reviews, others were casualties of shifting corporate priorities.

Why GM Layoffs Are Making Waves?

The news of the GM layoffs is not just about the numbers. It is about timing and context. Over 50 of the impacted employees were union members. Thus, it draws the ire of the United Auto Workers (UAW). The union had already been embroiled in high-stakes negotiations with automakers earlier this year.

Marca / The layoffs follow a summer of cuts when GM let go of over 1,000 employees in its software and services division.

With a global salaried workforce of 76,000, these repeated job cuts are beginning to feel less like isolated events and more like part of a larger trend. As GM adjusts to economic realities and recalibrates its EV strategy, the workforce is bearing the brunt of the company’s struggles.

The Role of ‘Cost-Cutting’ in GM’s Strategy

At the heart of these GM layoffs is the company’s ambitious plan to save $2 billion this year. The decision comes amid several challenges. Sluggish consumer demand for EVs has forced GM to reconsider its “all-in” EV approach. The once-hyped electric future has not materialized as quickly as the company hoped, leaving a significant dent in its strategy.

GM is dealing with waning sales in its home market and stiff competition from domestic and international rivals. In China, once a robust growth market, the company is struggling to maintain its foothold. Thus, these headwinds have forced GM to make tough decisions!

Fired GM Employees Were Salaried Technicians

The human toll of the GM layoffs is undeniable. Most of the impacted employees were salaried workers in Michigan, many of whom had been part of GM’s global technical operations. For some, the decision was linked to performance reviews, adding a personal sting to an already difficult situation. And for others, it was simply about being in the wrong role at the wrong time.

Express Tribune / For the union workers affected, the cuts have added a layer of tension to an already strained relationship between GM and the UAW.

Sure!  GM has emphasized its commitment to a leaner, more agile organization. But it is hard to ignore the uncertainty now permeating its workforce. These layoffs serve as a stark reminder of the balancing act GM must perform to stay relevant in a competitive industry.

What Went Wrong With GM EVs?

GM’s pivot to electric vehicles was supposed to be its bold step into the future. But the reality has not lived up to the promise. Consumer adoption has been slower than anticipated, forcing GM to rethink its aggressive plans.

While GM has invested heavily in EV development, its shift has come at a high cost, both financially and organizationally. With billions of dollars poured into the initiative, the pressure to deliver results has intensified.

Unfortunately, the broader economic slowdown and tepid EV sales mean that GM’s grand vision has hit a speed bump, leading to decisions like the latest GM layoffs.