Recently Unifor Local 444 from the Chrysler plant in Windsor won their grievance over the mandate forced on them by Fiat Chrysler. Although David Cassidy refers to it as win the question needs to be asked, “is it really a win or a temporary reprieve?”

The arbitrator Marilyn Nairn sided with Fiat Chrysler stating the 2-dose policy was reasonable and continues to be. The only reason Nairn sided with Union was the fact that the evidence now points to waning immunity and concluded there was little difference between receiving two doses of the vaccine or remaining unvaccinated, so the policy was no longer reasonable. She further stated that in no way was this decision to taken as support for the unvaccinated, absent of a legitimate exemption.

A spokesman for Stellantis, parent company of Fiat Chrysler in a statement was pleased that the policy was found to be reasonable and will review the decision before determining next steps.

The concerning issues in this decision are the arbitrator as well as Stellantis are not looking at the employees’ rights as laid out in both the Charter of Rights and Freedoms but also in Provincial Legislation namely Ontario’s Health Care Consent Act. Further the arbitrator left the door open for Stellantis to amend their policies in the future.

When employees must give up their fundamental rights to maintain employment that decision is not a win.

To read the News Article, click here