Whirlpool Corporation has announced a significant workforce reduction, laying off 651 employees at its manufacturing plant in Amana, Iowa. The layoffs, effective June 1, 2025, represent approximately one-third of the plant's workforce and are attributed to declining consumer demand for certain refrigeration products manufactured at the facility.
Reasons behind the layoffs
In an official statement, Whirlpool explained that the decision was driven by the need to align production with current market conditions. The company emphasised that the layoffs were not influenced by external factors such as tariffs but were instead a strategic move to address reduced demand for specific appliances.
“Whirlpool Corporation has made necessary adjustments to production at its Amana operations to align with current market conditions driven by consumer demand. This has resulted in the announcement of a workforce reduction of approximately 650 employees within specific production teams at the facility. We are committed to supporting affected employees through this transition by providing access to onsite HR support and a dedicated employee support line, an employee assistance program, and guidance on unemployment benefits through Iowa Workforce Development ,” Whirlpool spokesperson told TV9.
Whirlpool has pledged to support the impacted employees during this transition. The company is providing access to onsite HR support, a dedicated employee assistance program, and guidance on unemployment benefits through Iowa Workforce Development. Despite these measures, the layoffs have sparked criticism from labor unions and advocacy groups.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), which represents many of the affected employees, expressed deep concern over the decision. In a statement, the union highlighted the significant impact on the local community, which relies heavily on the jobs provided by the Amana facility.
The Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO also criticised the layoffs, calling them "outrageous" given Whirlpool's reported $17 billion in sales last year. Union leaders have urged state legislators to restore unemployment benefits that were recently reduced, arguing that the cuts leave displaced workers with fewer options during economic uncertainty.
Reasons behind the layoffs
In an official statement, Whirlpool explained that the decision was driven by the need to align production with current market conditions. The company emphasised that the layoffs were not influenced by external factors such as tariffs but were instead a strategic move to address reduced demand for specific appliances.
“Whirlpool Corporation has made necessary adjustments to production at its Amana operations to align with current market conditions driven by consumer demand. This has resulted in the announcement of a workforce reduction of approximately 650 employees within specific production teams at the facility. We are committed to supporting affected employees through this transition by providing access to onsite HR support and a dedicated employee support line, an employee assistance program, and guidance on unemployment benefits through Iowa Workforce Development ,” Whirlpool spokesperson told TV9.
Whirlpool has pledged to support the impacted employees during this transition. The company is providing access to onsite HR support, a dedicated employee assistance program, and guidance on unemployment benefits through Iowa Workforce Development. Despite these measures, the layoffs have sparked criticism from labor unions and advocacy groups.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), which represents many of the affected employees, expressed deep concern over the decision. In a statement, the union highlighted the significant impact on the local community, which relies heavily on the jobs provided by the Amana facility.
The Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO also criticised the layoffs, calling them "outrageous" given Whirlpool's reported $17 billion in sales last year. Union leaders have urged state legislators to restore unemployment benefits that were recently reduced, arguing that the cuts leave displaced workers with fewer options during economic uncertainty.
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