Auto Jobs Vital to Windsor Economy, says New CAW Analysis

WINDSOR, ON, April 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Jobs in the auto sector are still the foundation of the Windsor area economy, finds a new analysis released today by the CAW. The auto industry directly employs 13,300 people in Windsor, one out of every eleven jobs. 

The analysis of the auto industry in Windsor is being released as part of the "Re-think the Economy, Re-think Canada's Auto Industry" campaign, launched today at a press conference in Toronto.

"Auto jobs are critical to our community, so as part of the campaign, the union is working to grow the sector and propose proactive alternatives that will keep good jobs here," said CAW Local 444 President Rick Laporte. 

"Over the last five years Windsor has lost a stunning 12,000 good manufacturing jobs, more than 1 out of 4. The community cannot afford to lose any more," said CAW Local 200 President Chris Taylor.

Tomorrow evening in Windsor, the CAW will be hosting a community forum on auto jobs and the community, the first in a series of eight meetings. 

Community Forum
Tuesday, April 17 at 7 p.m.
Caboto Club - 2175 Parent Avenue 

Some key information about the auto industry in Windsor:

• Windsor has the highest auto industry concentration in Canada with an assembly plant, major engine operations and more than 50 other independent auto parts operations.
• The auto industry directly employs 13,300 people in Windsor, one out of every eleven jobs.
• Thousands more jobs are created to supply the industry: jobs in steel, plastics and other manufacturing and services. More jobs are created by the spending power of auto workers' paycheques.
• Auto workers' paycheques pumped $790 million into the Windsor economy in 2011 (or $2.2 million per day).
• In 2011, Windsor auto workers paid $216 million in income, payroll and sales tax (or $591,000 per day), funds which support vital public services like health care, education, employment insurance, public pensions and social services.
• Auto workers' fundraising efforts also directly support community organizations such as the United Way, women's shelters and food banks.

For more information on the campaign, or to read the entire fact sheet, please visit: www.rethinktheeconomy.ca. The fact sheet is available in the resources section.

For more information, please contact CAW Local 444 President Rick Laporte (cell) 519-984-3102, CAW Local 200 President Chris Taylor (cell) 519-995-2020 or CAW Communications Shannon Devine (cell) 416-302-1699