Chrysler Suspends Workers Who Were Caught Drinking

AUBURN HILLS (WWJ) Chrysler is suspending nine workers who embarrassed the company on video, the second such incident in less than a year.

Workers from the Trenton Engine Plant were captured on video, apparently drinking and smoking marijuana while on a break. The segment, airing on WJBK-TV, less than a year after a similar piece involving workers at the company's Jefferson North Plant.

"The company was able to identify nine employees captured on the video," said Chrysler spokesman Ed Garsten. "Now, to date, all nine employees have been suspended without pay, pending further investigation."

Chrysler has said it has a zero tolerance policy for drinking or using drugs on the job. After the Jefferson North incident last year, Chrysler fired two workers, and suspended two others for a month.

But WJBK says it received tips from Chrysler workers that the misbehavior was continuing at other plants. So, the TV station decided to follow workers at the Trenton Engine Plant.

Garsten says there are disciplinary procedures in place, and they will be followed in this case.

"While the evidence seems conclusive, the company needs to act in accordance with corporate policy and the terms of the collective bargaining agreement before further action is taken," he said. "The investigation is ongoing."