Chrysler Fires Jefferson Workers

Chrysler has fired thirteen of the workers who were caught on video, apparently drinking and possibly even smoking marijuana during a break.

"It has been determined that 13 employees engaged in behavior that violated the Company's Standards of Conduct and these 13 employees were discharged today," read a statement released by the company. "Two remaining employees will receive a one month disciplinary layoff without pay."

Channel two aired a video taken of the workers during several lunch breaks from the Jefferson North Plant in Detroit.  It showed them in a park near the plant, drinking what appears to be beer and smoking what appears to be marijuana.

The TV station provided the video to Chrysler, which suspended the workers last week, and promised fast disciplinary action.

"As is evidenced by the swift action taken in this matter, it should be clear that Chrysler Group will not tolerate such behavior and will continue to evaluate its protocols to ensure that something like this does not happen again," said the Chrysler statement.

Chrysler also saying that the incident had no impact on the quality of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is being built at Jefferson North.

The incident was shown around the country, and brought criticism to Chrysler and the United Auto Workers Union.   Both the company and the union took pains to say that the report did not reflect the on the behavior of the vast majority of Chrysler's employees.

Chrysler, in it's latest statement made the point that the company and its workers take their jobs very seriously.

"It is unfortunate that the actions of a few people have called into question the reputation of more than 51,000 very proud, hard-working Chrysler Group employees, grateful that the American and Canadian taxpayers gave us a second chance. We take that responsibility very seriously and will work to restore the public's faith."