Statement from Gov. Ruth Ann Minner on today’s Chrysler announcement
Wilmington – – “This morning I learned of the plans by the Chrysler Group in Detroit to reduce its workforce by approximately 20% in an effort to ‘regain competitiveness under difficult business circumstances.’
“I have since spoken with Newark plant manager Jim Wolfe, and UAW representative Clyde Quillen. Today I think the state of Delaware is breathing a temporary sigh of relief. The news from Detroit is as good as it could have been.
“Chrysler has announced six plants will be shut down – but not Newark. It has announced several plants will eliminate one shift – but Newark will remain at two.
“As part of this restructuring, the Newark plant will need to reduce the number of Durangos produced. According to the Newark plant manager, this will be by about 150 trucks per day. I have also learned from the plant manager this morning that, unlike many of the other plants, the Newark plant will be making its changes later this year – this production slowdown will not be occurring immediately.
“Both the plant manager and the union representative have told me that they are pleased with the decision from Detroit today. This is by no means the best news we could have received, and I remain deeply concerned about the Newark plant employees.
“I cannot at this time confirm the number of jobs that will be impacted, and am deferring all questions regarding employment to the Chrysler Group and the unions. I have been advised on what the possible job numbers could be, but until the Newark plant manager and his crew have time to work out the details of the line slowdown, I do not feel it is appropriate to speculate.
“I can say what I have said before -- the news from Chrysler is another indicator that the economy has temporarily slowed. But as I’ve said before, I took this job for the tough decisions that will need to be made, and this is no exception.
“At this time, the Chrysler Group has not announced any layoffs, but a reduction in workforce. I have heard from the company this morning that it hopes to provide retirement and attrition programs to help alleviate the blow to the employees who will be affected by this business decision. I certainly welcome these efforts in Delaware.
“I have asked my Director of Economic Development and my Secretary of Labor to monitor this situation closely, and I will remain in close contact with the Newark plant manager during the next several weeks.
“As many of you know, Chrysler has already announced a two-week shutdown from February 5 through February 16. The Unemployment Insurance Department is ready and prepared for this two-week shutdown. I am currently reviewing the option of deploying a ‘Rapid Response Team’ to the Chrysler plant to provide information to the Newark auto workers of the programs that may be available to them in the coming months.
“I’d also like to announce my plans to call on Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of the Chrysler Group in Detroit, and visit Detroit in the next couple of weeks. I think it’s important to meet with Dr. Zetsche personally to learn more from him about Chrysler’s turnaround plan, and to provide him with a clear picture on what the Newark assembly plant means to Delaware.
“I am proud of the nearly 3,000 employees at Chrysler. Their plant is the sole producer of the Dodge Durango. The plant has done much to increase efficiency, productivity and quality in the past few years. This news is not easy for them, and it is not easy for me as their governor. But I commit now to do everything I can to ensure that Detroit knows that Delaware cares about it’s auto industry, and takes no news, even the news we’ve learned today, lying down. That is the message I am sending to all Delawareans, the surrounding area and especially to Detroit.”
