A whistleblower news report embroiled Chrysler in a scandal over the activities of plant workers. A number of Chrysler Motors plant workers were captured drinking and using illegal drugs during their lunch break close to the plant. It begun with an anonymous tip to a local news station. The news station sent in undercover journalists who broke the news. A swift resolution was promised and delivered by Chrysler. All parties involved were placed on suspension immediately. Chrysler has fired 13 of the participants and placed two more on suspension.
Not quite Occupational Safety and Health Administration accepted
An anonymous tip was given to WJBK Fox 2, a Fox affiliate in Detroit, according to USA Today. It concerned employees from the Jefferson North Chrysler plant. The plant assembles the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The tip was about what workers did on their lunch breaks. Apparently, a small group would go to a local park to drink beer and smoke pot. 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. The President of the United States personally visited that very plant just days before the report came out, which makes it all the more embarrassing.
The case results in canning of 13 people>
Chrysler Motors could not fire any person at first, so 15 were put on suspension. Due to agreements made between Chrysler Motors and the United Auto Workers, correct procedure has to be let go before everyone can be terminated. According to Automotive News, 2 remain on suspension. The remaining 13 were fired. Chrysler also stated that quality control of builds is automated, and couldn’t be compromised. The UAW insists that those that were let go are not indicative in any way of the quality of the bulk of their members.
Do not drink at work
There is no excuse for going to work intoxicated. Not even executives get a “three martini lunch” anymore. Workplaces have to be safe. That is especially true of industrial online websites. Drinking and taking other illegal intoxicants is certainly contrary to safe practices.
Articles cited
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
