economy
March 6, 2026
U.S. manufacturers are still shedding thousands of jobs, as workers ask White House for help
About 350 Whirlpool factory workers in rural Iowa will lose their jobs on March 9 — a blow to a community where the plant has anchored the local economy for eight decades. The layoffs are also another sign of U.S. manufacturers' ongoing struggles, which have persisted despite the Trump administration's pledge to revive the sector.
TL;DR
- Approximately 350 Whirlpool factory workers in Amana, Iowa, will be laid off on March 9.
- The layoffs are seen as a continuation of struggles in the U.S. manufacturing sector, despite Trump administration promises to revive it.
- Economists cite automation, lower overseas wages, increased costs, and economic uncertainty, including tariffs, as reasons for manufacturing job losses.
- The union representing the workers has asked President Trump to intervene and halt the layoffs, but has not yet received a response.
- Whirlpool states the job cuts are part of a multi-year modernization plan to ensure the plant's stability and success.
- The Amana plant's workforce has decreased significantly over the years, with jobs reportedly shifted to Mexico.
- Job losses in manufacturing disproportionately affect communities heavily reliant on these industries.
- Manufacturing jobs continue to decline while growth is seen in sectors like healthcare.
- Small manufacturers are particularly vulnerable to economic headwinds like tariffs.
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