Provincial funding is helping to support laid off auto workers in Chatham and Windsor.
The government is investing $955,000 in a new action centre to help 3752 laid off workers from various parts suppliers in the region to find new jobs, either in the same sector or furthering careers in others.
Run by Unifor, the action centre will provide support services for workers represented by Unifor Locals 195, 127 and 1941, and will be expected to operate until April 2025. The primary service location will be in Windsor, with a satellite location at 405 Riverview Drive in Chatham.
“Auto parts workers are among the most resilient, hard working, and dedicated of any industry,” said Jeff McFadden, President of Unifor local 127 in a news release. “Their skills are vital to our economy, and we cannot afford to lose their experience or knowledge in the EV transition. In the event of job loss, funding for Action Centres is an important last line of defence that will help keep our members working as the auto industry transitions to electric vehicle manufacturing.”
The action centre will help laid-off workers by hosting workshops and seminars, providing peer-to-peer support, networking opportunities and job search assistance, along with access to mental health services.
Unifor will also be collaborating with the Employment Ontario Service System Manager and other community service providers to prepare workers for upcoming jobs in the electric vehicle sector and other growing industries.