Mercedes plant resumes 5-day work week

VANCE, Ala. (AP) - An increase in demand has led Mercedes-Benz to tell workers at its Vance plant they will return to a five-day work week on Nov. 30 and will continue on that schedule through February.

Mercedes says requests for additional vehicles in the fourth quarter warranted a temporary increase in production. The plant employs about 3,000 workers.

A drop in demand for the sport utility vehicles made in Vance caused the plant to shift to a four-day workweek for much of this year. Mercedes spokeswoman Felyicia Jerald says the plan calls for Mercedes to return to the four-day week in March.

The temporary increase also will not affect a previously announced plan to eliminate 200 jobs by the end of the year.