GM’s CEO to meet US lawmakers over job cuts

WASHINGTON — General Motors Co. (GM) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mary Barra plans to visit Capitol Hill next week to discuss its plans to halt production at five plants in North America next year and cut up to 15,000 jobs, two congressional aides said on Friday.

GM has come under harsh criticism from lawmakers from both major political parties, and from President Donald Trump, since Monday when the no. 1 US automaker announced the biggest restructuring since its bankruptcy a decade ago.

Ms. Barra is expected to meet with lawmakers from Michigan and Ohio, where GM plans to shutter three plants, as well as senior leaders in Congress. GM did not comment.

Representative Debbie Dingell, a Michigan Democrat, told CNN earlier this week that GM had done what others could not — uniting both parties in their anger. She added that GM “has to be the most thoroughly disliked company in Washington DC right now.” She also criticized GM’s handling of the layoffs.

GM said this week that many workers at plants that are ending production will be able to transfer to open jobs at other plants.

Ms. Barra has been calling lawmakers this week to explain the decision to end production. Mr. Trump has threatened to revoke subsidies for GM for electric vehicles. Ms. Barra also will speak at a forum next week at Harvard University in Massachusetts for new incoming members of Congress.