Windsor, Ontario, historically known as Canada’s automobile capital, faces a precarious future as the automotive industry grapples with significant challenges. Ford put his stamp on Windsor in 1896. Stellantis, better known as Chrysler at the time, did so in 1928, igniting a production explosion that would see the building of hundreds of factories and suppliers in the area over the next few decades. Today, the city is experiencing a remarkable renaissance of advanced manufacturing. Only two Ford engine factories and one Stellantis assembly plant are still open, but they still provide employment for tens of thousands of workers.
The auto industry is still an important aspect of Windsor-Essex’s economy, with about 24,000 directly employed in the industry. And for communities that helped build auto, the industry is key to their reinvigoration, providing well-paying jobs and opportunity. About 120,000 more jobs in the region depend on it. The region’s growth has paralleled that of Detroit, solidifying Windsor’s status as an important center for North American automobile production.
As the Canadian general election approaches, the impact of U.S. tariffs on the automotive industry has emerged as a significant point of contention among political parties. It’s no wonder then that each party has entered this election with detailed plans to support the auto sector. An industrial strategy Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre wants to create a new C$2 billion fund to make Canadian industry more competitive and save manufacturing jobs. In contrast, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has promised to scrap the sales tax on cars built in Canada.
The constant turmoil throughout the industry has created a climate of fear and anxiety for workers. Chad Lawton, a thirty-year worker at the Ford Motor Company, expressed his fear in today’s anti-union climate.
“I’ve worked for a Ford Motor Company for almost 31 years, and I have never seen anything close to this,” he stated. “That includes Covid, because at least with Covid, we knew what we were dealing with. And there was some certainty there.”
Lawton articulates the discomfort many workers are experiencing. They’re terrified and they’re vulnerable because the very heart of the industry that has been their lifeblood for generations is in rapid and dramatic flux.
“These were never American jobs. These were Canadian jobs,” Lawton emphasized. “They’ve always been Canadian jobs, and they’re going to stay Canadian jobs because we didn’t take them from them. We created them, we sustained them.”
The atmosphere at local establishments like The Penalty Box, a sports bar just down the road from the Stellantis plant, further illustrates the challenges faced by workers in this critical industry. With a 33-year history and serving close to 1,000 meals a day, The Penalty Box is a popular gathering spot for employees seeking comfort amid uncertainty.
Austin Welzel, a frequent clerk at The Penalty Box, couldn’t hide his excitement over Austin’s new course of action, saying,
“It seems like a stab in the back.”
For many workers, the pride associated with their jobs transforms into frustration as they confront potential layoffs or job losses. Christina Grossi, another long-time staff member, described her sense of disillusionment.
“You’ve been doing this job for so long and you really take pride in it, you’re proud of what you’re putting out to the public. And now someone’s taking away the opportunity to do that.”
The stress around these issues has contributed to a sense insecurity for American workers who must maneuver through a workplace environment riddled with unpredictability and anxiety. Van Niforos expressed his concerns about potential job loss, focusing on the emotional impact it is having on him.
“It’s a devastating situation. I don’t want to think about it.”
It is encouraging to see political leaders addressing these key issues head-on with their campaign platforms. Workers are still skeptical about how these new investments will help protect workers’ livelihoods and the future of the automotive industry in Windsor-Essex.