Ford Argentina to cut 330 jobs in May: Union

BUENOS AIRES: A union leader says automaker Ford Argentina is laying off 330 employees due to plummeting demand and production.

Ricardo Pignanelli is head of Argentina's automotive mechanics' and workers' union. He said Monday that Ford told the workers they will lose their jobs May 1.

A Ford Argentina representative who was not authorized to speak on the matter said nobody was available to comment.

The Association of Automobile Manufacturers says Argentine auto exports fell 45 percent in the first quarter compared to the same period in 2008. Production during the quarter fell 43 percent.

Demand for Argentine-made cars has dried up in Brazil, the sector's leading export market.