GM Cuts Jobs for Robots Amid EV Demand Slump

General Motors has made a significant change in its workforce, eliminating over 1,000 positions at its main Detroit assembly plant and opting to bring in 50 robots instead, which has understandably upset union representatives.

The decision comes during a time of dwindling interest in electric vehicles, pushing GM to adopt “collaborative robots,” or “cobots,” at its Factory Zero plant in Michigan.

These robots are reported to be assisting human workers with tasks like installing body panels on vehicles as they move down the production line.

According to various sources, car manufacturers claim that the introduction of cobots will enhance “safety and ergonomics” for employees at the Detroit-Hamtramck electric truck plant while keeping the company competitive.

Company spokesperson Kevin Kelly commented, “We’re integrating cobots across our manufacturing sites to enhance our operations with advanced technology.” He also noted that at Factory Zero, they are focused on improving safety and adaptability.

However, James Cotton, president of United Auto Workers Local 22, strongly opposes this move, suggesting the machinery is merely a way to cut costs and reduce jobs for union workers.

“Our talent is being taken away,” Cotton expressed, stating that the introduction of cobots has left many feeling disgusted.

Reports indicate that the labor hours needed to produce cars have dropped significantly—by 50% to 70%—since the 1980s, but wages for union workers continue to rise. In fact, unions might push for substantial wage hikes in 2023 and seek stronger protections in the next contract discussions in 2028.

Cotton also raised safety concerns about having robots work in proximity to human employees, despite the company’s claims regarding improved safety with this technology, leading the union to file a complaint against GM over the use of cobots.

The push towards using cobots comes as GM struggles with declining demand for its electric vehicles, partly due to high costs. Production at Factory Zero has faced multiple halts over the past year.

In light of GM’s shift towards automation, UAW Chairman Sean Fein stated that workers are “fighting for humanity,” pointing out that workers’ contributions are not adequately rewarded, despite the company’s increasing profits.

“The fruits of our labor have never been greater, but workers aren’t seeing the benefits,” he commented, arguing that if AI is implicated in these changes, there needs to be a stop to it. “In a fair society, when workers create more value, they should earn more.” GM reported a profit of $4.25 billion in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a 22% increase compared to the previous year.