A whistleblower news report embroiled Chrysler in a scandal over the activities of plant workers. A number of Chrysler plant staff were caught consuming and using illegal drugs during their lunch break close to the plant. The actions were revealed when a news station in Detroit was tipped off and investigated the activities in question. Chrysler immediately jumped on the story, and resolved to bring a summary about swiftly. Chrysler acted quickly. Not long right after the report aired, the people in question were all put on suspension. Of those involved, 2 are still suspended and 13 are fired.
Not exactly OSHA approved
An anonymous tip was given to WJBK Fox 2, a Fox affiliate in Detroit, as outlined by USA Today. It concerned workers from the Jefferson North Chrysler Motors plant. The plant only handles one car. It is where the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokees are assembled. . The ritual went on for 5 consecutive days, until an anchor asked them what the heck they were doing. The men were followed back to the plant by the investigative team. To make matters worse, the investigative report comes days after a visit and stump speech by Obama.
The situation leads to canning of 13 individuals>
Chrysler Motors fire any person at first, so 15 were put on suspension. This is due to agreements made with the United Auto Staff union. No one could be terminated without following proper procedure. Of those 15, as outlined by Automotive News, 13 were let go and 2 are still on suspension. Chrysler also stated that quality control of builds is automated, and couldn’t be compromised. The UAW insists that those which were dismissed are not indicative in any way of the quality of the bulk of their members.
Extremely unsafe
The “Three Martini Lunch” went the way of the Dodo. An industrial site has to be absolutely safe at all times. Drinking and taking other illegal intoxicants is certainly contrary to safe practices.
Citations
Auto News.com
autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100928/OEM/100929862/1252
USA Today
content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2010/09/detroit-tv-station-catches-chrysler-workers-drinking-drugging-during-lunch/1?csp=obinsite
