Trenton Chrysler Workers Say No to Rotating Shifts

Workers at the Chrysler Group LLC’s Trenton Engine Plant have decided to do away with rotating day-night schedules and establish fixed shifts. Many workers had been complaining that the rotating shifts left them exhausted and at least one worker had to be hospitalized. The workers represented by UAW Local 372 voted on Sunday to do away with the controversial rotating shifts.

Gab Solano the UAW Local 372 president said “I’m absolutely happy that this went through. I think it’s another chapter forward for our plant to get back to normal shift.”

Currently the plant has a “3/2/120” rotation, in which three crews work in two shifts to create 120 work hours per week. Alternating assignments between day and night shifts had often created discomfort and physical weaknesses in workers.

One employee Robin Boyer, 46, had been twice hospitalized. She told the media, “This has been really a fight for my life and everybody’s life in the plant.” She added that the change back to normal routing would decrease absenteeism and improve work quality.

Chrysler’s national agreement with the UAW required the union and the company to develop an alternative work schedule for the Trenton plant by vote. The agreement was made in fall 2011.

Chrysler released a statement stating “Chrysler Group LLC is pleased that the Trenton South employees have approved a work pattern that will meet the needs of the work force.”

As if the work pattern was held back due to lack of approval from employees.

However, there had been concerns that younger workers could resist the change as night shifts might fall on their part. But those concerns were put to rest with the motion passing by 365 to 93 on Sunday.

The fixed shifts would be based on seniority.