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Ford workers in Windsor finally told how many will be laid off and when
After months of waiting, workers at the Ford Motor Co. engine-making facility in Windsor have been told that almost 400 union members will be laid off.
On Wednesday, members were told that total layoffs would be 388 people, 250 production workers and 138 trades people.
A Ford spokesperson confirmed that layoff notices will be handed out in early August and members will have 12 weeks of work, with the final day expected on Nov 1.
Marc Renaud, vice president CAW local 200 Windsor, said even though they knew layoffs were imminent, the number is “devastating.”
“We are going to continue to push forward and have discussions with the company for additional work for Windsor,” said Renaud, adding that Ford was holding town hall meetings with workers to discuss options.
Union members were told by Ford in January that layoffs would be taking place in the fall.
The company is reducing the number of shifts at the engine plant. A new shift is being added at a second Windsor facility, but the change will result in a net loss of jobs.
At time they were told about 180 production workers and about 75 trades people would be laid off some time in September or October, said Renaud.
Workers who have received layoff notices have been given the option to bump junior members or use their seniority to take the jobs of recent hires, said Renaud.
Options being discussed with the company include voluntary severance or retirement-incentive packages to the union “to hopefully open the door for the younger folks to stay,” he said.
CAW local 200 Windsor has 1,737 members working at four plants, said Renaud.
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