After the closure of their plant and the loss of 15,000 jobs, hundreds of devastated General Motors employees have gathered for an emotional prayer in support of all those affected by the giant company’s decision.
The emotional prayer took place on Thursday in Lordstown, Ohio, just outside the General Motors plant. This location is one of the five GM plants that are set to be closed within the next year.
During the touching event, co-workers and their family members were seen hugging each other and holding hands while praying.
Norman Perry, one of the Lordstown plant’s employees, spoke to FOX8 and explained how workers are struggling to keep their spirits up.
“Everyone just wants to keep working right now and get through this. Christmas is coming, they want to enjoy Christmas,” Perry said.
“This is a time where we should be lifted up. We’re just trying to lift spirits and that what all this (the vigil) is all about.”
During the vigil, union members also joined the crowds and expressed their desire to save the plant and the jobs. According to them, the closure of the plant will have a major negative impact on the local economy.
The news of the plant’s closure has spread rapidly and caused a widespread backlash, including criticism from President Trump who ridiculed the GM chair and threatened to revoke company’s subsidies.
According to Trump, new auto tariffs that could potentially prevent job cuts are “being studied.” He also explained how the 25% tariff on imported commercial vans and pickup trucks has long enhanced the US vehicle production since its implementation in the 1960s.
“If we did that with cars coming in, many more cars would be built here and G.M. would not be closing their plants in Ohio, Michigan & Maryland,” Trump added.
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