Windsor Essex aluminum plant slated for 2009 closure

Almost 600 workers at the Nemak Essex aluminum plant in Windsor, which makes engine parts for Ford Motor Co., will be out of work when their plant closes in the spring of 2009.

About 500 of the workers are unionized staff. Another 100 salaried workers will also lose their jobs.

The Canadian Auto Workers said members were informed of the decision on Wednesday.

"This is a crushing blow to Ford/Nemak workers and the Windsor area, which has one of the highest unemployment rates of any large city across the country," said CAW president Buzz Hargrove.

Hargrove called on the Harper government to develop a long-term automotive policy to stop the job losses in what he called "Canada's most important industry."

"This is extremely frustrating and disappointing news for our members, who have already been living under the weight of job insecurity for many months," said Mike Vince, the president of CAW Local 200, which represents the unionized plant workers.

Opened in 1981 by Ford, the Essex aluminum plant is now a joint venture between the automaker and Mexican firm Nemak.