Sherrod Brown: ‘Ohio taxpayers rescued GM’ yet company ‘doesn’t respect’ workers

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) said Monday that Ohio taxpayers rescued General Motors (GM), but the auto giant, which just announced thousands of job cuts, does not respect the state’s workers.

{mosads}”The workers at Lordstown are the best at what they do, and it’s clear once again that GM doesn’t respect them,” Brown said in a statement. “Ohio taxpayers rescued GM, and it’s shameful that the company is now abandoning the Mahoning Valley and laying off workers right before the holidays.”

“Even worse, the company reaped a massive tax break from last year’s GOP tax bill and failed to invest that money in American jobs, choosing to build its Blazer in Mexico,” he said. 

GM is planning to cut up to 15,000 jobs, according to multiple reports, and may close up to five plants in the process, including one located in Lordstown, Ohio.

“GM owes the community answers on how the rest of the supply chain will be impacted and what consequences its disastrous decision will have on the Mahoning Valley and our state,” Brown added.

“My office stands ready to do everything we can to help these workers,” he said. “This decision is corporate greed at its worst.”

GM spokesman Tony Cervone noted in an email to The Hill that the automaker employs “well over 5000 people in Ohio in numerous operations” when asked about Brown’s comments.

“The timing of unallocating facilities should allow great numbers of employees to transfer to other facilities,” he added.

“The announcement today is much more broad than simply plant allocations, and is aimed at transforming GM to lead in both core products that customers want and in the future of personal mobility.”

Brown has emphasized his commitment to promoting the “dignity of work” as he gears up for a possible run for president in 2020.

While most Democrats fared poorly earlier this month in Ohio’s statewide races,  Brown won his third term. 

He has credited his emphasis on workers and their needs for that victory.