Good news is hard to come by in Detroit these days but, yesterday, they got some very good news. Chrysler announced it is adding a third shift at the Jefferson Assembly Plant, restoring 1,100 jobs.
Chrysler Group LLC said Thursday that it will add a third shift — with 1,100 new jobs — at its Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit to meet growing demand for its Jeep Grand Cherokee, which will be offered in a diesel version for the North American market.The shift would start in early 2013, according to Chrysler. Hiring will not begin immediately, and applications will only be accepted through Chrysler’s employment website at www.chryslercareers.com.
Positions are likely to be paid Chrysler’s entry-level rate of $15.78 per hour, negotiated in the recent Chrysler-UAW contract.
“Our future, like the history of our brands, is interwoven with the city of Detroit,” said CEO Sergio Marchionne in a statement released Thursday. “We believe that investing in Detroit is not only the right thing to do, but it is a smart thing to do as we work to write the next chapter in our shared history.”
The United Auto Workers welcomed the announcement.
The jobs won’t start until next year but still very good news.
And can I just say it’s about damn time Chrysler put a diesel engine in the Cherokee? What the heck took them so long?
