DEWITT -- Some workers at the New Process Gear plant in DeWitt claim parent company Magna International has engaged in a campaign to fire workers as the plant prepares to close down. They claim the company is firing workers for the slightest infraction so it can deny unemployment benefits.
One plant employee, Charles Greco, tells CNY Central he was fired on January 29 for allegedly leaving his work station 30 seconds early. Greco says the company has installed surveillance cameras at the plant. Greco says he had been working at the plant for 11 years and has a clean record. Greco is reportedly among five workers who were fired on January 29.
UAW Local 624 President Scott Stanton some of the recent firings are "unreasonable and unjust." He says the union has filed an "unfair labor practices" claim against Magna's decision to install surveillance cameras in the plant without bargaining with the union. Stanton says "we have seen an increase in disciplinary offenses." He adds: "This is a more difficult place to work" Stanton claims Magna has "taken a different opinion of what constitutes a dischargeable offense."
When contacted for comment on the situation, Magna International media relations director Tracy Fuerst said via email "This situation is considered an internal matter and therefore, I have no comment."
The plant, which makes transmission cases for several automakers, is in the process of winding down production after union members rejected a contract that would have slashed their pay and benefits. Stanton says there are currently 877 employees at the plant which is slated to close by the last quarter of 2011. Stanton says 112 workers are slated to be laid off next week. He points out that five years ago, there were 2,400 workers at the facility.
