Rail strike idles Ford plant again

Ford Motor Co. froze production at its St. Thomas, Ontario, car plant today because a strike at Canadian National Railway Co. delayed parts shipments. The plant makes the Ford Crown Victoria and the Mercury Grand Marquis. The plant had been shut for the same reason on Feb. 16.

"Due to material shortage, production is idled," said Lauren More, vice president of public affairs for Ford of Canada. More said it was unclear when normal production would resume.

"We're assessing the situation on a day-to-day basis," she said. "The plant doesn't run on weekends, so we are scheduled to run on Monday."

Two shifts did not report to work on Friday. The plant employs 2,300 people.

More said terms for compensating workers affected by the strike are still being discussed with the Canadian Auto Workers.