Ford faces class-action lawsuit

Ford had decided in April 2008 to add a third shift at its Oakville, Ontario, factory, the suit says, but then changed its mind and canceled the additional work just before the scheduled start date of July 28, 2008.

Plaintiffs Gabriel Levesque, Brenda Austin and Mathew Beltrano claim many who were signed up for the work quit other jobs before they realized Ford was not going to follow through with the hiring.

The lawsuit says Ford claimed a downturn in the market forced cancellation of the planned third shift, the Windsor (Ontario) Star reported Monday.

David Thompson, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, said the class-action status "will enhance access to justice for all affected individuals and will allow claims to be determined in an efficient and economic manner."

Ford was not immediately available for comment, the Star said.

Copyright 2010 United Press International, Inc. (UPI).