Ford announces 400 more layoffs in Detroit area because of UAW strike

Ford Motor Co. on Wednesday said it would lay off 400 more employees in the Detroit area as a result of the UAW's ongoing strike.

The automaker said about 350 workers at Livonia Transmission and 50 workers at Sterling Axle have been told not to report to work starting Thursday. Both plants supply parts used in the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator at Chicago Assembly, where workers joined the strike Sept. 29.

Ford said 1,330 workers have been laid off in connection with the strike, which began Sept. 15 and also has halted production at the company's Michigan Assembly Plant.

The additional layoffs come a day after Ford made public its most recent offer to the union, which improves its proposals for wage gains and other benefits.

Some progress is being made as talks remain active with all three companies, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations. The source said "serious movement" has taken place since late last week, when both sides ramped up rhetoric.

General Motors said Monday that the union had given its first comprehensive counteroffer in 11 days. It is unclear if GM has since responded.

The UAW plans to update the status of talks Friday. It's not known whether the union plans to expand the strike again, as it has each of the previous two Fridays.