WINDSOR — The president of Unifor Local 444 has returned from the Canadian Auto Show in Toronto with a positive outlook.
Dave Cassidy says the newly revamped Chrysler Pacifica was front and centre at the show while the Dodge Grand Caravan was showcased as well.
Cassidy says there was plenty of buzz around the Windsor-built vehicles and the importance of keeping the third shift intact at the Windsor Assembly Plant.
"Everybody raving about it when they were there. Everybody taking pictures with it," says Cassidy. "I had an opportunity to talk to some of the execs there and just pushing for a third shift. Telling them we need another product in Windsor. People understand that and we're continuing to meet with the company."
He says he'll continue the fight for as long as it takes.
"A year ago, in March, we were given a letter on the reduction of the third shift and we've had extensions since based on sales. I hope we keep selling the minivan. You want it built right, you build it in Windsor," adds Cassidy.
The elimination of the third shift was to take effect at the end of September 2019, but FCA has given several extensions since, with the end date now set for March 31, 2020 putting about 1,500 employees out of work.
The company has said it will review the business case for maintaining the shift on a month-to-month basis going forward.