Windsor's mayor has renewed calls for local business leaders to work together and diversify the local economy in the wake of Fiat-Chrysler ending the third shift at the Windsor Assembly Plant.
FCA announced Thursday evening that the third shift at the plant would end for good on June 29. The announcement was confirmed soon after by Unifor Local 444, which represents plant employees.
Drew Dilkens told reporters Friday that, while everyone knew the news was coming, the impact on the 1,500 workers and their families is impossible to ignore.
"It certainly hits the community hard, and it makes me think that we need to redouble our efforts when it comes to an economic diversification strategy to plan for what the future of the community looks like with the reduced footprint from our largest employer," said Dilkens.
That reduced footprint means less disposable income for affected plant employees, and for those working at feeder plants that may be affected, which is why Dilkens has called for a team approach.
"The city is going to lead the effort with the help of some experts," said Dilkens. "We're going to walk down that path with the city council, with all of the economic development groups, and the people who are interested in the community. It's really about getting the best ideas."
Windsor-Essex's representatives at Queen's Park have condemned the ending of the third shift and criticized the provincial government's handling of it. In a joint statement, MPPs Lisa Gretzky of Windsor West, Percy Hatfield of Windsor-Tecumseh, and Taras Natyshak of Essex pledged support for those about to lose their jobs.
"We worry, too, about the additional jobs along the supply chain, and in feeder plants, that will also be impacted. Despite knowing, for nearly ten months, that these 1,500 jobs were on the chopping block, the Doug Ford Conservatives chose to do nothing, ignoring any possible solutions for shoring up the long-term prospects of Ontario's auto industry," read the statement.
The members, all with the NDP, have called on the Ford government to renew efforts to create a provincial auto strategy.
"Windsorites deserve a government that has their backs, one that fights to keep our community's auto jobs, not one that simply throws in the towel," the statement continued.