WINDSOR, ONT. -- The Fiat-Chrysler Windsor Assembly Plant looks to be on track for a May 19 re-opening.
On Friday, the president of Unifor Local 444, David Cassidy, tells CTV News a tour of the minivan plant to see measures put in place to keep workers safe from COVID-19 proved to be impressive.
“They have done a tremendous job inside the facility, both inside and outside in a short time,” says Cassidy.
The union leader says while FCA has always focused on the health and safety of its workers, he’s comfortable the company has made the necessary adjustments to adapt to the threat presented by the novel coronavirus.
“When the main chain goes down in that assembly plant, people are running and now they have a different approach to make sure that people’s safety is first and foremost prior to that main chain running,” says Cassidy. “That’s a shift in how we see production moving.”
Cassidy admits there will be “bumps in the road” but is confident the workplace will be safe for everyone upon their return.
In a email to CTV News, FCA confirms Canadian operations will re-start on May 19:
“FCA remains focused on implementing robust protocols that will make our employees feel confident that all precautions have been taken to ensure our facilities are safe, secure and disinfected when production resumes,” reads the statement.
Most U.S. operations will begin the week of May 18 as well, but the Victoria Day holiday in Canada will see Canadian operations begin a day later.
Enhanced measures
Cassidy notes a number of measures have been taken by the company to limit the potential spread of COVID-19.
It begins when employees show up for work.
Cassidy says a screening area, housed with a tent and trailer, have been set up outside the factory to provide protective equipment like masks, have employees take a questionnaire about their health and get their temperature checked.
“When you walk in there’s a couple lanes inside there and then they’ll have the infrared cameras inside there and they’ll be able to take your body temperatures at that time to make sure you don’t have a fever,” says Cassidy.
Other measures include plexiglass dividers, physical distancing and a mobile app that will allow workers to request soap re-fills in washrooms, according to Cassidy.
The union head says team leaders will be in the factory next week as details are finalized for the targeted restart of production on May 19. Cassidy says there are still issues concerning childcare and those with underlying health concerns.
Despite the loose ends, Cassidy says the factory tour on Friday was encouraging.
“I think they’re doing a good job there and making it safe for everybody,” says Cassidy.
