Being an assembly worker in an auto plant isn’t exactly the easiest, highest-paying job out there. So the fact that thieves are targeting the vehicles in the Ford Chicago Assembly Lot employee parking lot just seems so low. Union leaders have had enough and are speaking out.
Here’s even more proof drivers are too distracted these days.
Not only are thieves breaking windows and stealing valuables out of Ford employees’ cars, they’re straight up just stealing rides at this point. According to UAW leaders, at least 50 employees have been affected by the break-ins and thefts.
Assembly workers are mad because where they’re allowed to park isn’t secure. There are fenced-in areas of the employee parking, but those areas are reserved for management. That means thieves have easy access to the rest and it sounds like they’re taking full advantage.
Some of the assembly workers reportedly are too scared to speak out, says CBS News Chicago. We get it, the squeaky wheel sometimes gets the pink slip. But some are fed up enough they went on camera and spoke about the issue. CBS also leaned on Ford and Chicago police to ask why they haven’t done more, finding out at least 30 reports of theft and vandalism had been filed by Ford employees.
With local media shining a light on the problem it seems Ford is scrambling to make changes. A spokesperson told a reporter they’re working with police to patrol the parking lot more. Plus, the automaker is implementing secure access to the rank and file employee parking area, something we can’t believe wasn’t already in place. Ford says lighting and surveillance cameras will also be improved.
It’s sad so many assembly workers had to endure hardships before management did anything. Hopefully this puts an end to the problems so Ford employees can just concentrate on their job.
Image via CBS News Chicago
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