A major domestic manufacturer cites the recent tariffs for its decision to lay off hundreds of manufacturing workers.

PBS affiliate, Lehigh Valley News, reports:

“Mack Trucks will lay off 250 to 350 workers at its Macungie-area facility, the company confirmed Friday.

The job reductions will occur over the next three months in part because of market uncertainty and the impact of tariffs, the truck maker said in a prepared statement.

‘Heavy-duty truck orders continue to be negatively affected by market uncertainty about freight rates and demand, possible regulatory changes, and the impact of tariffs,’ company spokesperson Kimberly Pupillo said.

Mack Trucks notified employees of the layoffs Thursday.

Local 677 of the United Auto Workers represents 2,300 of the 2,700 employees at Mack assembly plant in Lower Macungie. They bargained a five-year contract in November 2023 after a nearly six-week strike.

‘We regret having to take this action, but we need to align production with reduced demand for our vehicles,’ the company’s statement said.

State Rep. Josh Siegel, D-Lehigh, called it ‘a clear signal of the dangerous economic instability’ caused by the policies put in place under the Trump administration — especially tariffs.”

For the rest of the story, visit Lehigh Valley News here.