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DETROIT (AP) — General Motors is offering buyouts to most of its U.S. salaried workforce and some global executives in an effort to trim costs as it makes the transition to electric vehicles.
The Detroit automaker wouldn't say how many workers it is targeting, but confirmed that the move is aimed at accelerating attrition to meet a previously announced goal of $2 billion in cost cuts by the end of next year. GM has about 58,000 salaried workers in the U.S.
The company says the offers also are designed to avoid any possible firings at a later date.
Offers will go to white-collar workers with at least five years of service, and global executives with who have been with the company at least two years.
Asked how this news could impact the GM plant in Arlington, a spokesman said the company could not "provide a breakdown per a specific GM location."
"This voluntary program offers eligible employees an opportunity to make a career change or retire earlier," the spokesman told Fort Worth Inc. "We are offering three packages based on level and service to the company. Employees are strongly encouraged to consider the program.
"By permanently bringing down structured costs, we can improve vehicle profitability and remain nimble in an increasingly competitive market.”
U.S. salaried workers are being offered one month of pay for every year of service, up to 12 months. They'll also be offered health COBRA health care and part of the bonuses they would receive this year.
The decision to offer buyouts comes at an uncertain time for the auto industry, which is in the midst of a transition from internal combustion to electric vehicles. GM has a goal of selling only electric passenger vehicles by 2035.
The switch is requiring more research and development spending on both types of vehicles, as well as huge capital outlays for battery factories and updating assembly plants, as well as spending to get scarce metals needed for EVs.
The cost cuts were announced when GM released fourth-quarter earnings in January, when Chief Financial Officer Paul Jacobson said it would be accomplished in part by filling only strategically important jobs vacated due to attrition.
The company said Thursday that it also will cut costs by reducing the complexity of its vehicles and more sharing of components between both internal combustion and electric models. GM plans to cut discretionary spending companywide and focus on growth initiatives to make benefits come faster.
Employees who want to take the buyouts have to sign up by March 24, and those who are approved for the packages have to leave the company by June 30.