The outlook is good for workers at the Windsor Assembly Plant after the all new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica was unveiled at the 2016 North American International Auto Show.
Unifor Local 444 President Dino Chiodo says it was a proud moment to finally see the vehicle on display.
"This is great for job security and stability for the Windsor Assembly Plant and the community at large," says Chiodo. "This goes outside of the realm of actually the norm in a minivan and we're excited about that and we think it's going to be a wonderful vehicle for consumers to buy."
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The Windsor Assembly Plant was retooled for the next-generation minivan in the first quarter of 2015 with a $2-billion investment from Fiat Chrysler.
Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne says he had bad feelings about spending that kind of money but ultimately it was the right decision.
"I feel incredibly good about the way in which the workforce has reacted to the challenge. It is one of the best plants that we run globally," says Marchionne.
The unveiling of the new Pacifica will undoubtedly be part of the backdrop as the union and FCA Canada begin contract negotiations later in the year. The contract is set to expire in September.
Marchionne says talks have not yet begun but had this message for the union.
"Our Canadian labour friends, the world has changed and I think the classical capital/labour antagonistic positions are dead."
