A tire shortage is affecting production at the Ford Engine plant in Windsor, Marc Renaud, vice-president of CAW Local 200, said Friday.

Ford notified the union on Wednesday that the plant's 480 unionized production employees will work only four days next week, said Renaud. As well, the plant will shut down for one week starting June 6, he said.

"What we're being told by Ford is they can't get enough supply," said Renaud, who could not provide further details. A spokeswoman for Ford said she was looking into the matter.

Workers will receive about 85 per cent of their net pay from unemployment insurance and supplementary unemployment benefits, said Renaud.

Vehicles affected include the Ford Navigator, Econoline van and the F-250 heavy duty pickup truck, said Renaud.