GM Deploys 50 Robots at 'Factory Zero' After Cutting 1,000 Jobs… Labor Replacement Accelerates

*This content was translated by AI.

General Motors (GM) is deploying a large number of new collaborative robots designed to work alongside humans at its 'Factory Zero,' an electric vehicle-only production facility in Detroit, Michigan, which recently underwent large-scale restructuring. GM is accelerating automation to cut costs and improve production efficiency, a move that is clashing with workers' livelihoods.

GM recently installed approximately 50 new collaborative robots (cobots) on the assembly line at Factory Zero in Detroit-Hamtramck, Michigan, according to reports. These robots are positioned right next to workers on the assembly line, taking over tasks such as installing various vehicle components, including body panels.

The issue lies in the timing of the robot deployment. In response to slowing demand for electric vehicles in the United States, GM recently adjusted its EV launch plans and laid off more than 1,000 production workers at the factory just a few weeks ago. Amid growing job insecurity due to factory shutdowns and reduced shift work, the labor union has strongly objected as robots are deployed to replace human workers.

James Cotton, chairman of UAW Local 22, which represents Factory Zero workers, stated that seeing robots enter the factory immediately after more than 1,000 workers were laid off is a major threat and concern for laborers, leaving union members on the ground with a profound sense of loss and anger. The union has formally objected to GM, arguing that this robot deployment violates the advanced technology introduction clause in the contract and steals jobs from union members. Additionally, safety concerns regarding machines operating too closely to humans were raised.

GM maintains that this robot deployment is an inevitable choice to secure future competitiveness. Kevin Kelly, a GM spokesperson, explained, "This is part of our medium-to-long-term automation strategy to integrate more advanced technologies into the production process. By deploying cobots, we can improve workplace safety and ergonomic conditions, and maintain a flexible and competitive production system in a rapidly changing market."

Merrick Masters In Ju-rip-dae (Prof.) noted that "since the 1980s, the labor time required to build one car has dropped by approximately 50% to 70% due to automation," and diagnosed that this technological revolution led by artificial intelligence and humanoid robots will trigger unprecedented upheaval in the labor market.

Sean Payne, a UAW chairman, stated, "Artificial intelligence and mass automation pose a serious threat to our way of life and economic structure. We are fighting for humanity." It is expected that clauses preventing automation and robot replacement will emerge as a key issue in the 2028 collective bargaining agreement between labor and management.

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*This content was translated by AI.