While taxpayers are footing the bill to keep America's auto industry off life support, an undercover investigation shows illegal activities by Chrysler employees who have enjoyed nearly $15 billion in government money.

Dozens of autoworkers in Detroit were caught on camera drinking beer and smoking marijuana before heading to work at the Chrysler plant that President Obama praised in a speech just two months ago.

An exclusive investigation by MyFoxDetroit showed workers at Chrysler's Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Mich., drinking beer and smoking joints while on a half-hour lunch break at a nearby park.

The investigation -- conducted over several weeks and based on tips from workers at the plant -- outraged the auto giant's top executives who reportedly called the behavior "totally unacceptable."

Obama spoke July 30 at the plant, where he lauded the American worker, saying, "It's workers like you that built this country into the greatest economic power the world has ever known."

"I want all of you to know, I will bet on the American worker any day of the week." he told the crowd.

"I wish they could see what I'm seeing in this plant and talk to the workers who are here, taking pride in building a world-class vehicle," Obama said, referring to opponents of the multibillion-dollar government auto bailout. "I don't think they'd be willing to look you in the eye and say that you were a bad investment."

Chrysler took $14.3 billion in government bailout money, which includes pre-bankruptcy loans. The company has repaid $3.7 billion.

The plant -- taking up more than 3 million square feet of factory -- employs 2,833 union auto workers. The station's report did not say how many workers were involved in the incident.

Scott Garberding, senior vice president of manufacturing, told MyFoxDetroit that he was "very disturbed" by what he saw in the video.

"I want to make it clear that we at Chrysler take this very seriously," he said in an interview with the station. "For us, this behavior is totally unacceptable and will be dealt with swiftly."

Fab4Runner;495187 wrote:Love the guy in the jorts. Any predictions on whether they will actually be fired?

Scarlet_Buckeye;495219 wrote:Makes me sick!!!!!!!!!

Scarlet_Buckeye;495258 wrote:I'm not making this politcal at all. I don't care whose administration that was done under. I just happen to know a few people that work for Chrysler and it makes me sick all the perks and free days they get while making good money and clowns like this drink and smoke pot while making vehicles that you and I drive and have to pay the price for.

Fab4Runner;495187 wrote:Love the guy in the jorts. Any predictions on whether they will actually be fired?

mcburg93;495267 wrote:They are union workers so I highly doubt it. Prolly be wrote up slapped on the wrist and told not to do it again.

rydawg5;495316 wrote:People are overreacting to this

FatHobbit;495324 wrote:+1

Out of more than 2800 employees I bet you can find all kinds of knuckleheads.

ts1227;495380 wrote:I'm sure there are more than 12 doing it though... just happens only 12 were dumb enough to get caught.

Fab4Runner;495389 wrote:To me the bigger issue will be if they don't get fired for this. I am not sure where most of you work...but there's no way in hell I would keep my job after drinking and/or getting high during my lunch break.

And yes...I know it happens all the time. Doesn't make it right/okay. I would think most bosses wouldn't be okay with that type of behavior. My stepdad is the plant leader at a manufacturing facility and safety is their # 1 priority. I can't imagine what he would do if his employees were caught doing this.