Falcon Transport workers told to stop working abruptly
Workers at Falcon Transport say they found out in the worst way they no longer have jobs. The truck drivers transported auto parts, cars made at the GM Lordstown plant, and products for other companies.
LIBERTY, Ohio - Workers at Falcon Transport say they found out in the worst way they no longer have jobs. The truck drivers transported auto parts, cars made at the GM Lordstown plant, and products for other companies.
Over 550 workers for Falcon Transport found out through a text message and social media on Saturday they were out of a job.
Workers say there are about 150 drivers who work at the Victoria Road location in Austintown. Johnny Watson has worked for Falcon for eight years. Watson was home and feels fortunate he was home. Watson said, "The text said, 'You are no longer employed. You're not expected to come back to work Monday.' The company has guys and ladies stuck out all over. How are they getting home? I'm hearing fuel cards are shut off. Our checks were late last week, and this weekend they were told the money would be in the bank, but that has not happened. You can call the office, and no one answers. I fear we will be out of three weeks pay due to the way we are paid, vacation, and health care in addition to being out of a job."
A few truck drivers pulled into the lot during the afternoon.
David Helbovy, who has worked for Falcon for five years said, "I came here to get my stuff out of the truck. My truck is leased from Penske which is right down the road. I hear they are towing them already. They're coming and repossessing the trucks. Then once it's on their property, you can't get any of your stuff."
Johnny Watson said, "I asked several times was GM Lordstown plant being idled going to affect us, and they told us no, no, no. We've got plenty of freight to cover these guys, apparently not. When Mark Constantini owned Falcon Transport, we always got paid for our work."
In 2017, Falcon Transport Company was bought by Los Angeles based private equity firm Counter Point Capital Partners, LLC. At the time there were 800 employees.
It provided transportation services for the big three automakers for decades. It was founded in 1903. Watson added, "The company that thrived and survived for over 100 years was closed in less than two years by the company that bought it."
United Auto Workers Local 1112 President Dave Green said, "It is reprehensible the way these men and women were treated. I cannot imagine the way their families feel after finding out through a message at around eight on Saturday. Unfortunately, it is just one more ripple effect of the unallocation of GM's Lordstown plant. Sadly more job may be vulnerable in the Valley."
Other workers say they believed it was due to poor management by the private equity firm. No one has contacted us to respond to the closing or text sent to workers.
Liberty Township Trustee Jodi Stoyak said, "This is awful for the families affected. You get a knot in your throat, a stab in your heart. It's something else that ultimately effects our overall well being in this community."
