Fiat Chrysler Automobiles plans to cut a shift this year at its Windsor Assembly Plant, where it produces the Chrysler Pacifica minivan.
The move, from three shifts to two at the plant in Ontario, will affect 1,500 workers. It is effective June 29.
The company said it notified Unifor, the union representing Canadian auto workers, on Thursday, and that the action is an effort to match production with vehicle demand.
“This decision comes as the company works to align volumes with demand while phasing out production of the Dodge Grand Caravan 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,” according to an FCA statement.
The union, in a news release, predicted that the shift reduction would lead to significant job loss in the parts supply chain and damage the local and national economy.
“Unifor is very disappointed that FCA was unable to find a solution that would have avoided job losses,” Unifor National President Jerry Dias said in the release. “There is no question that the economic ramifications will be felt across the region and throughout country.”
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The union noted that an earlier plan to eliminate the shift had been averted, at least temporarily, following discussions that included Canadian officials, such as Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
“We worked to prevent this shift loss with the full understanding of the devastating affect that this would have on our membership,” Unifor Local 444 President Dave Cassidy said in the statement. “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 4.4 million-square-foot plant currently employs 5,610 and 234 salaried workers on three shifts, according to an FCA fact sheet.
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In addition to the Grand Caravan, the plant produces the Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid as well as the Chrysler Voyager minivan.
Earlier this year, FCA said it would offer an updated version of the Pacifica for 2021, including a premium Pinnacle model, designed to look more like a utility vehicle. The move is in an effort to jolt sales.
Pacifica sales were down 17% to 97,705 in 2019 compared with the year prior.
Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@freepress.com or (313) 223-4272. Follow him on Twitter: @_ericdlawrence.
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