On the same day the Big Three asked Congress for help, hundreds of Kentuckians who work for the auto industry lose their jobs.

On Tuesday afternoon, Toyota told about 250 temporary workers it no longer needs them at its plant in Georgetown.

Toyota officials say they plan to slow down one of the production lines at the plant because of the sluggish economy. Because production is slowing, the plant will require fewer workers to keep things going.

Right now, there are about 500 temporary workers at TMMK and about half of them will lose their jobs during the first quarter of 2009. Toyota is working with the agencies that assigned the workers to try to find them other employment.

The Georgetown Toyota plant, and other plants across the country, will halt production on December 22nd and 23rd in an effort to adjust to slowing demand from consumers. All team members will be provided non-production work or they can use vacation or take unpaid time off on those days.