Windsor's Mayor admits the announcement of a loss of the third shift at the FCA minivan plant is not good, but he says the local economy is still moving in a positive direction.
Speaking on AM800's The Afternoon News, Drew Dilkens says we should remember the plant continues to operate as a two-shift operation.
Dilkens says the people losing positions at FCA could have opportunities locally.
"There's no doubt there will be some pain felt here. The good news is, in our economy today, if it's not FCA, there are still a lot of other companies that are hiring. We still have a gap in employees and jobs that are open."
He says he doesn't see this as complete doom and gloom.
"I'm still very optimistic and FCA has been a great employer here. We'll continue to work with them and really try and help our economy move in a way that we think makes sense so that we can provide the employees, provide the resources and skills necessary as the automobile industry shifts in its nature."
Dilkens admits it's a difficult situation for the community, but is confident Windsor-Essex will pull through.
"Certainly losing a shift will affect 1,500 people. That's huge in our community and I certainly feel for the workers who will be displaced there, but the company needs to make sure that they can continue to be profitable, sell those vehicles. We're looking forward, not in the rearview mirror, we're going to look forward and say how do we help accelerate diversification in our economy locally so that we're prepared for any future shocks that happen."
Unifor Local 444 President Dave Cassidy called out mayor Drew Dilkens for what he believes is a "lack of support" for the city's largest employer, but Dilkens told CTV Windsor he is not to blame for the loss of jobs.
"Let's just put this aside because it's sheer nonsense," said Dilkens, of Cassidy's comments. "He blamed me for the casino strike when they put two failed agreements in front of their employees, somehow that was the mayor's fault, and now that people aren't buying the Pacifica and minivan, there's a supply and demand imbalance and somehow that's the mayor of Windsor's fault, it's crazy thinking."
The automaker has said the elimination of the third shift will impact roughly 1,500 positions.
(Image courtesy of CTV News)
Retirement packages will be offered to those who are eligible.
The FCA announcement follows months of slumping sales of the Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Grand Caravan, both built at Windsor Assembly.
Sales of the Pacifica this year are down 54 per cent in Canada through February and 24 per cent in the U.S. Sales of the Grand Caravan are down more than 20 per cent in both countries over the same period.
Other union officials say they aren't ready to comment on Thursday's news of the shift cancellation, saying they need more information.
A number of provincial and federal politicians have also responded to the news from FCA, calling it disappointing.