Chrysler is firing 13 workers caught on camera drinking and smoking pot while on the job.
Chrysler Group LLC has moved to get rid of 13 employees from the Jefferson North Assembly plant, in Detroit, caught drinking alcohol and smoking pot on their lunch hour by a local television crew.
Chrysler Group said Monday in a statement it had completed its investigation of the Jefferson North employees – who were initially suspended after the TV broadcast for violating the company’s code of conduct and jeopardizing the quality of vehicles built at the plant.
“It has been determined that 13 employees engaged in behavior that violated the Company’s Standards of Conduct and these 13 employees were discharged today. Two remaining employees will receive a one month disciplinary layoff without pay,” Chrysler announced.
The United Auto Workers concurred in the company’s decision to dismiss the union members.
“As is evidenced by the swift action taken in this matter, it should be clear that Chrysler Group will not tolerate such behavior and will continue to evaluate its protocols to ensure that something like this does not happen again,” Chrysler said in a statement.
The story, which prompted global coverage of the struggling automaker, has proven to be a serious black eye at a time when Chrysler is trying to rebuild a reputation damaged by last year’s bankruptcy and ongoing quality issues.
Chrysler insisted it has “redundant” quality controls to ensure the reliability of any vehicle built at the Jefferson North Assembly plant, which has been used as a showcase for the company in recent months.
“Our customers can be assured that the Jefferson North Assembly Plant has implemented a comprehensive quality system for all of the vehicles it builds,” Chrysler said.
Chrysler also said early warranty results indicate that the quality performance from the launch of the new Grand Cherokee may be the best launch in the history of the company in terms of vehicle reliability.
“It is unfortunate that the actions of a few people have called into question the reputation of more than 51,000 very proud, hard-working Chrysler Group employees, grateful that the American and Canadian taxpayers gave us a second chance. We take that responsibility very seriously and will work to restore the public’s faith,” Chrysler’s statement said.