Senators demand answers over Ford’s decision that led to 400 Kansas City layoffs

Editor’s note: This article has been updated with a statement from Ford as well as additional information about Jack Cooper Transport.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Senators turn their sights on Ford Motor Company and demand answers about a decision that they claim led to hundreds of layoffs in Kansas City.

Senators Roger Marshall and Josh Hawley sent a letter to Ford asking for information about why it ended its partnership with Jack Cooper Transport, a company based in Kansas City, Mo.

Ford and Jack Cooper had a contract for more than 40 years, allowing the transportation company to deliver vehicles from the Claycomo plant before Ford ended the deal suddenly, according to the senators.

Jack Cooper laid off about 400 workers in January, following the announcement.

“This abrupt decision threatens the livelihoods of nearly 2000 dedicated union workers and their families, casting a dark shadow over Ford’s claimed commitment to “serving all of our stakeholder groups,” according to the letter.

The letter to Ford asks the company to provide an explanation behind the decision. The senators also asked Ford to confirm it will fulfill all legal obligations that were included in the original deal.

A spokesperson for Ford Motor Company said the jobs the senators reference in the letter were jobs with Jack Cooper, not at the Ford plant.

A source close to the contract between the two companies said that while Jack Cooper employed hundreds of people for decades, it did not always have the necessary financial stability.

The company reorganized under Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in 2018, and exited a year later.

The letter from the senators can be read in full below.

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