Workers at Ford Canada in Windsor are making a difference in the fight to flatten the COVID-19 curve by manufacturing face shields for health care workers and first responders.

More than a dozen workers are part of the effort and can produce up to 200 face shields per day. All workers are manufacturing the shields safely under strict social distancing requirements mandated by medical authorities.

“This is a proud moment for our union and our members in the auto sector who are coming together for their community and their country at this critical moment,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Our members in Windsor are among the most giving and caring people in the country who time and time again act selflessly and generously to help out in any way they can.”

Nearly 4,000 face shields have already been produced and delivered to health care facilities across Windsor-Essex county, including 300 to Aspen Lake long-term care, 2,000 to Windsor Regional Hospital, 400 to Hotel Dieu long-term care, 800 to Leamington Hospital, 120 to the Windsor Downtown Mission, and 100 to Sunrise Senior Living.

“It’s a proud moment to be the President of this local and knowing what these workers are doing to support our frontline workers who are risking their lives everyday,” said John D’Agnolo, President of Local 200.

Workers at Ford of Canada and management have already donated medical supplies including Nitrile gloves to Brampton Civic Hospital and N95 masks to Trafalgar Memorial Hospital in Oakville.