Honda Employees Accept Buyout Offers

Honda plants in Ohio are still slowing production because of lack of parts from earthquake-stricken Japan.

By: Tom Brockman | NBC4i.com
Published: April 22, 2009

MARYSVILLE, Ohio -- For some who work at the Honda plant in Marysville, Wednesday morning marked the beginning of the end.

Last month, after citing never-before-seen business challenges and a struggling auto market, the company announced they were reducing overall compensation, eliminating and reducing bonuses and reducing production by 62,000 vehicles in North America.

That would equal 18,000 from the Marysville plant and 10,000 from the East Liberty plant.

In addition to a 13-day furlough period, Honda also announced it would offer buyouts to some 35,000 employees.

Tuesday, company officials told NBC 4 employees were given packets on either retirement or separation opportunities.

Employees began turning in those agreements Wednesday morning.

Individual departments were to determine when those agreements take effect.

Meanwhile, officials said everything up to this point has been voluntary, and Honda has said no one would be laid off.

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