The union representing workers at the Windsor Assembly Plant is pushing back against a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy.
Unifor Local 444 has asked Stellantis to take another look at its vaccination mandate as it applies to the plant. In a memo posted on the union's official Facebook page, the union had asked the automaker to pause the rollout, stating that implementing it in the plant setting is "unreasonable".
"Unifor's position has been clear that we urge our members to get vaccinated," read the letter signed by Local 444 President Dave Cassidy. "However, these types of policies need to reflect the needs of individual workplaces and should not consist of a one-policy-fits-all application. Our facilities have successfully kept our members safe during this pandemic with an assortment of COVID-19 safety protocols."
Cassidy indicated that the union will file a policy grievance over the vaccination policy, claiming that Stellantis has ignored concerns.
"In the short term, our workers are going to be forced to make extremely tough decisions. Our union will continue to push the company to change their policy, or at least pause the rollout of this policy so we can have some sober conversation with them," wrote Cassidy.
Stellantis had announced almost two weeks ago that the start of the vaccination mandate would be on December 17.
"Since vaccines have become available, Stellantis has continued to strongly advocate for our employees to get vaccinated as the best way to protect against the transmission and reduce the severity of the illnesses associated with COVID-19," read a statement by the company upon announcement.
Stellantis Canada is standing by its vaccination policy.
"We believe the vast majority of our workforce is fully vaccinated and many more are in the process. We continue to receive support from employees for implementing this health and safety policy," said Stellantis Canada spokesperson LouAnn Gosselin in an email to WindsorNewsToday.ca Wednesday morning. "Vaccines and vaccine mandates have proven to be effective and we feel this is the responsible action to take at this time to protect our employees and their families as well as those visiting our facilities."
---with files from Maureen Revait