Student workers worried finically following Chrysler break

By Tyler Boissonneault

Student employees of Chrysler’s Windsor Assembly Plant are shifting focus back to school due to the plants downtime for retooling, but are now starting to worry about finances.

The $2 billion investment will require a shutdown of around three months before the plant is reopened to produce the next generation of minivans. This move affects more than 1000 part-time and full time positions. Some student workers say they will enjoy their break and are hoping to have more time for school, but some are worried about how they will pay tuition and living expenses.

St. Clair College student Danyelle Bayliss is one of the workers who is having trouble during the break and said that she will not be eligible to receive financial help.

Bayliss said during the plants retooling, she will not be working because she needs the time to focus on school. Bayliss said with her time going into school, she won’t have time to find a job and she is unable to receive other aids to her income.

“This affects me greatly. I do not qualify for employment insurance or unemployment, therefore I am out of money for the break,” said Bayliss.

Bayliss said although the time off will be difficult, she will at least be able to go back to the plant following the break to help with her income.

During his months off, student Taylor Hollinsky said he will use his free time to focus on school and finish his current semester.

“It gives me the opportunity to do things I normally can’t go 100 per cent on like school, hobbies and my social life. I want to use this time as best I can to catch up on other aspects of my life,” said Hollinsky.

Although he will have free time during his break, Hollinsky says he keeps in mind that he will need help for income during his temporary leave. He said he is hoping to hear back on his status from Service Canada regarding his employment insurance.

“I have applied for employment insurance and I hope I get approved. I’ve been saving money and paid off most of my debt so I should be able to make it through the three months without it, but that would be tight budgeting,” said Hollinsky.

Hollinsky said some fellow co-workers are having a hard time processing and getting approved for employment insurance.

The company will be giving financial advice to its workers affected by the overhaul through an information session.