Kansas City Faces Job Losses: Bright Spots and Challenges Ahead
Kansas City is on the receiving end of a notable shift as state data reveals that 5,234 employees have lost their jobs in 2024 due to mass layoffs and work site closures. According to the federally mandated Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notifications (WARN) notifications, this year’s layoffs have surpassed the totals seen in Kansas, where 3,542 jobs were lost. Although Missouri employees faced fewer job losses than in 2023, when layoffs totaled 6,692, the current numbers remain concerning for many families in the area.
What’s Behind the Numbers?
The WARN Act, enacted in 1988, obligates employers to notify workers of impending large scale layoffs and closures. In Missouri, 39 WARN notifications have been issued this year. Notably, 12 of these came from employers in the Kansas City area, impacting 2,162 local employees. The city is witnessing job losses across various sectors.
Major Layoffs in the Heart of the City
This year, the largest layoff affecting Kansas City was from the Government Employees Health Association (GEHA). The nonprofit organization, which provides health insurance to federal government employees, announced layoffs of 453 people in Lee’s Summit back in October. GEHA is well-known for having its name on the field at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, making these layoff news particularly hard-hitting for the local community.
Automotive manufacturing is another sector taking a hit, with Yanfeng laying off 444 employees from their Riverside plant in September. Additionally, several other major layoffs in the auto industry include:
- Adient: 172 layoffs
- Martinrea: 144 layoffs
- Sodecia: 111 temporary layoffs (expected to return to work mid-2025)
Other Employers Taking a Toll
Several local employers have also made headlines for issuing significant layoff notifications:
- Cherokee Nation Federal Consulting: Impact on government contractors
- Signature Psychiatric Hospital: Operations at North Kansas City and Liberty Hospitals
- Student Transportation of America: A school bus contractor based in Kansas City
- International Paper: A paper and packaging company located in Kansas City
The Defense Infrastructure Downsizing
A particularly alarming announcement came from Boeing, which declared on November 20 that 692 employees around the state would be laid off, with Kansas City being among the affected areas. Such large-scale layoffs put immense strain on the community as local workers look for new opportunities.
Education and Transportation Sector Challenges
In addition to the manufacturing sector, education and transportation industries are also causing ripples in employment. Missouri Central School Bus laid off 332 people in St. Louis after a contract termination against a backdrop of troubling racial incidents. Similarly, First Student laid off 105 residents in Jefferson City this past June. Together, these losses equate to at least 586 jobs in the school bus contracting sector.
Looking Forward
With layoffs crossing into the realms of manufacturing, health care, and food services, Kansas City residents are rightfully concerned about the economy and their families’ financial stability. As local communities brace for the impact, it’s crucial for individuals seeking support or resources to reach out.
If you have more questions about labor or employment matters in Missouri or Kansas, don’t hesitate to reach out to local experts. It’s community-driven support that will get everyone back on their feet!
