Unifor outraged at FCA move to eliminate Windsor Assembly Plant jobs

WINDSOR, ON, March 29, 2019 /CNW/ - Unifor is outraged and disappointed in Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' (FCA) sudden move to eliminate Windsor Assembly Plant jobs.

"I'm deeply concerned about the 1,500 workers and additional workers in the parts supply chain that will be impacted by FCA's intention to cut the third shift in Windsor," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias.

FCA has announced plans to eliminate the shift in six months, effective September 30, 2019. This comes just days after the company released news that the plant would be on shutdown for two weeks in April.

"Fiat Chrysler is a key employer in the Windsor region," said Dave Cassidy, President of Unifor Local 444. "We build a quality product and we're going to keep the pressure on the company to maintain production here."

Unifor National President Jerry Dias has already has conversations with Premier Doug Ford and representatives from the Prime Minister's office. Dias will also speak with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains later today.

"I'm encouraged that there appears to be a commitment from the Provincial and Federal government as well as local NDP MPs to work with us to find solutions to prevent job loss for thousands of people in the region," said Dias. "For all of President Trump's blustering it is clear that government action can influence corporate policy. We need a united strategy to fight together for Canadian jobs."

The union has also called for an emergency meeting with FCA officials to discuss the future of Windsor Assembly and address a potential derating at the Brampton Assembly Plant that could result in the loss of an estimated several hundred jobs this summer.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor