Fiat Chrysler cuts 1,500 jobs

Automaker slashing third shift at Windsor plant

WINDSOR—Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is cutting the third shift at its Windsor Assembly Plant beginning June 29.

The automaker says it notified Unifor Thursday about the change that will affect about 1,500 employees.

The move keeps the shift operational for an additional three months. Originally scheduled to shut down last September, the shift’s closing was given a four-month reprieve in November to last until March 31.

FCA says it made the decision to match volumes with demand as production of the Dodge

Grand Caravan is phased out at the end of May.

“The company will make every effort to place indefinitely laid off hourly employees in open full-time positions as they become available based on seniority and will offer retirement packages to eligible employees,” spokesperson LouAnn Gosselin wrote in an email.

Unifor Local 444 president Dave Cassidy held a news conference in Windsor to discuss the impact. “We worked to prevent this shift loss with the full understanding of the devastating affect that this would have on our membership,” he said in a news release.

“Now we will ensure that these workers receive the support that they need in this process as we continue to fight for new product for Windsor Assembly with the goal of preserving and increasing these good paying auto manufacturing jobs.”

The decision will lead to significant job loss in the parts supply chain and inflict damage to both the local and national economy, the national union said in a statement.

“Unifor is very disappointed that FCA was unable to find a solution that would have avoided job losses,” national president Jerry Dias said.

The plant, which produces the Chrysler Pacifica and its hybrid version, as well as the Dodge Grand Caravan, has about 6,100 employees.