Chrysler workers in St. Louis have a tough decision to make.
Chrysler is offering voluntary severance and retirement packages to the workers at its minivan plant in Fenton which has been idle the past two weeks. United Auto Workers Local 110 has held meetings to explain the offer to members. Chrysler is offering the same deal to workers at its pick-up plant as well.
Chrysler reduced the pick-up plant’s production from two shifts to one in September, leaving 900 workers without jobs. In late October, the auto maker shut down indefinitely the South Assembly plant in Fenton which built the Grand Caravan, Caravan cargo van and an export version of the Chrysler Town & Country. That move idled 1,500 workers. Chrysler hopes it can reduce cost and stay afloat during extremely difficult times for auto manufacturers. It has made no commitment to re-open the Fenton van plant.
