A job action centre to support laid-off workers in the auto sector will stay in operation for another year.
The action centre will provide support services to laid-off workers represented by Unifor Locals 195, 127, and 1941. The primary location will continue operations out of the Local 195 office in Windsor but a satellite location also operates out of the Unifor Local 127 office in Chatham.
"The need to protect the jobs and livelihoods of auto parts workers throughout the Windsor-Essex region and beyond remains our union’s highest priority, The Ontario government’s funding for this Action Centre comes at a crucial time and will help provide workers with vital resources, connecting them with services, training and employment opportunities to help auto parts workers navigate the road ahead," said Unifor Local 195 President Emil Nabbout.
The action centre offers workshops, seminars, peer-to-peer support, networking opportunities, and job search assistance.
It will also assist workers looking to make the transition from traditional automotive jobs into the electric vehicle sector.
“We stand with the workers and families that are impacted by these layoffs,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Ontario’s automotive industry is the engine that drives our economy, and we’re making sure no worker is left behind as the industry transitions into the future. The new Unifor Windsor-Chatham action centre will help workers get back on their feet quickly and get the services and training they need to be successful in their next job.”
The provincial government is providing $955,000 to support 3,752 laid-off workers through to April 2025.