General Motors Replaces Over 1,000 Workers With 50 Robots at Detroit EV Plant, Sparks Union Backlash
General Motors (GM) has come under fire after replacing more than 1,000 jobs with around 50 collaborative robots, or 'cobots,' at its flagship Factory Zero electric vehicle plant in Detroit, Michigan. The move comes as the automaker scales back its electric vehicle ambitions amid slowing EV demand and growing pressure to reduce costs.
General Motors (GM) has come under fire after replacing more than 1,000 jobs with around 50 collaborative robots, or "cobots," at its flagship Factory Zero electric vehicle plant in Detroit, Michigan.
The move comes as the automaker scales back its electric vehicle ambitions amid slowing EV demand and growing pressure to reduce costs. The newly installed cobots are now working alongside remaining employees on the assembly line, particularly in tasks involving the attachment of vehicle body panels.
GM said the technology upgrade is part of a broader effort to modernize manufacturing operations while improving workplace safety and efficiency. General Motors Layoffs: US Automobile Manufacturing Company GM Lays Off Around 1,000 Employees To Reduce Costs Amid Industry Downturn.
"We've been installing cobots across our manufacturing footprint as part of a broader push to bring more advanced technology into our operations," GM spokesman Kevin Kelly said.
"At Factory ZERO, we are implementing them alongside our team - helping improve safety and ergonomics, while keeping our operations flexible and competitive."Â General Motors Layoffs: US-Based Automaker Cuts 600 IT Roles in Major Shift Toward AI-Native Workforce.
However, the decision has triggered strong criticism from labor unions. United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 22 President James Cotton accused the company of using automation to eliminate union jobs rather than improve working conditions.
"Our manpower is being taken away from us," Cotton said.
"From top to bottom, we're disgusted that they have cobots in our plants."
The union has reportedly filed grievances against GM, raising concerns about worker safety and the increasing role of robots alongside human employees.
The automation push comes as GM faces challenges in the EV market, with demand for electric vehicles slowing due to high costs and affordability concerns. Factory Zero, which produces electric trucks and Hummer EV models, has experienced multiple production pauses over the past year.
UAW President Shawn Fain also criticized the growing use of automation and artificial intelligence in manufacturing.
"The fruits of our labor have multiplied like never before, but workers aren't reaping the harvest," Fain said.
"And if AI continues to be used as an accessory to that crime, it has to be stopped - it doesn't have to be this way - in a just society, when workers create more value, they see more of the benefit."
Despite concerns over job losses, GM continues to post strong financial results. The company reported first-quarter 2026 profits of USD 4.25 billion, marking a 22% increase compared with the same period last year.
The dispute is expected to fuel debate over automation, artificial intelligence and worker protections ahead of future labor contract negotiations in the US auto industry.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 22, 2026 08:13 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
