Ontario announces more than $550K in support for auto workers in Windsor, Ont.
by CM Staff
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.
Ontario announces financial support for auto workers in Windsor, Ont. (Credit: jesterpop on Shutterstock)
WINDSOR — The Ontario government is investing more than $550,000 in employment action centres in Windsor, Ont. to help auto workers connect with the services and training they need to further their careers. 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.
“Ontario’s auto industry is the backbone of our economy, and our government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with laid-off workers in Windsor,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, 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. 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.”
Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, announced this investment at Unifor Local 444 in Windsor, where he was joined by Dave Cassidy, President of Local 444 and member of Unifor’s National Executive Board, and Andrew Leardi, MPP for Essex.
Working in partnership with Unifor Local 195, the Syncreon Action Centre offers a wide range of dedicated supports to help affected workers prepare to re-enter the workforce and land 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.
The Ontario government is also extending funding for the existing Stellantis Action Centre in Windsor 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.
“This incredible partnership with Unifor Local 195 puts the province’s funds for retraining exactly where they can be used to help the most,” said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor‑Tecumseh. “It will help many of Windsor-Tecumseh residents get back on their feet, building on the success already shown by our government’s partnership with Unifor Local 444. Thank you to Unifor for delivering this service and I’m proud to see our government help play a part in it.”
“This commitment from the Government of Ontario alongside Unifor National speaks volumes,” said Emile Nabbout, President of Unifor Local 195. “This is the main reason behind this action centre – to care for Syncreon workers and their families and to ensure that the 289 workers have an opportunity to gain meaningful employment.”
