Hundreds of laid-off auto workers in the region will be able to get back to work in part thanks to some new provincial funding.
This morning, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton announced $550,000 in funding for employment action centres to support shift workers affected by layoffs at Syncreon and Stellantis in Windsor.
The funding will support the launch of an action centre dedicated to serving the 289 workers impacted by layoffs at Syncreon and extend the existing action centre for 530 workers impacted by rolling Stellantis layoffs, so they can get back to work quickly.
“Our province has attracted more than $16 billion in investments over the last two years to become a global leader in building cars of the future,” McNaughton said. “These action centres will ensure workers get the support they need to enter these new careers and earn bigger paycheques for themselves and their families.”
Working in partnership with Unifor Local 195, the newly opened Syncreon Action Centre offers a wide range of dedicated supports to help affected workers prepare to re-enter the workforce and land well-paying auto jobs of the future. Supports include assistance with job searches, individually tailored career planning, one-to-one peer counselling, and support with resume writing and cover letters.
Funding will also support the existing Stellantis Action Centre run by Unifor Local 444. This will allow workers from Stellantis and its feeder plants, Integram, Dakkota, HBPO, ZF and Avancez, to continue to access the training they need to prepare for better jobs and more take-home pay.
“We are thrilled with the announcement to extend the action center for our displaced members from Stellantis, Integram, Dakkota, HBPO, ZF, and Avancez,” said Dave Cassidy, President of Unifor Local 444. “The Action Center has been an incredible hub of resources to give our unemployed members as many opportunities as possible to help them progress in this difficult period in their lives. We thank Minister McNaughton for his commitment to Unifor with this extension.”
