[ April 24, 2024 ]
They have a problem with Governor Half Whitmer.
Detroit automakers push for restart of plants within 2 weeks
Auto companies to implement safety procedures and as much testing as possible as workers return to plants
By Fox Business, May 5, 2020:
Story continues below advertisementDETROIT — Major U.S. automakers are planning to reopen North American factories within two weeks, potentially putting thousands of workers back on the assembly line as part of a gradual return to normality.
Fiat Chrysler CEO Mike Manley said on an earnings conference call Tuesday his company plans to start reopening factories May 18, though that depends on an easing of government restrictions.
Right now, Michigan’s shelter-at-home order is in effect until May 15.
Detroit automakers will likely be on the same timetable because their workers are represented by the same union.
The United Auto Workers union on Tuesday appeared to be onboard.
Detroit automakers employ about 150,000 factory workers in the United States alone. Auto plants have been shut since mid-March because of the outbreak. At least 25 employees at auto facilities represented by the UAW have died as a result of COVID-19, although it’s not known if they were infected at work.
DETROIT AUTOMAKERS TO IDLE 150,000 WORKERS DUE TO CORONAVIRUS: SOURCES
Manley said a lot depends on whether Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer allows factories to reopen.
Last week, Whitmer hinted that auto plants may soon reopen as the curve of cases continues to flatten. She said the reopening could take place as long as the UAW can ensure employees feel safe.
The UAW said in a prepared statement that workers will return to auto plants starting May 18, and it has agreed on safety procedures to protect them. Under its contracts with Fiat Chrysler, General Motors and Ford, the companies have authority to pick restart dates. But the union can file grievances and seek closures if the virus spreads at factories.
“We all knew this day would come,” union President Rory Gamble said Tuesday. “We continue to advocate for as much testing as possible at the current time and eventually full-testing when available.”
Gamble said his family will be among those returning to work, and the union will make sure safety guidelines will be followed.
“The UAW will fulfill its role to continue to actively monitor and aggressively respond regarding all issues impacting the health and safety of UAW members in whatever manner may be necessary as we return to the worksite,” Gamble said in a prepared statement.
Divisions over when to start to reopen economies on the state level spilled over in Michigan last week when armed protesters entered Michigan’s Capitol building last week. The Republican-led state legislature refused to extend Michigan’s coronavirus emergency declaration. They authorized a lawsuit challenging Whitmer’s authority and actions to combat the pandemic.
Whitmer faces pressure from the White House to relax restrictions as well.
Auto manufacturing is a major economic driver in Michigan, of course, and the state is facing a crippling cutoff in revenue with the plants closed.
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6 Comments
3 years ago
Democrat Gretchen Whitmer is a partisan bwitch. I hope the automakers are successful. It is clear the Dem governors are doing all possible to collapse our economy to hurt Trump. This is how insane the DEMS have become. At some point… useless Barr or Trump may need to intervene and force the issue of opening up. This shut down can not continue!
3 years ago
Reply to
felix1999
Wait… I took that picture yesterday, were you standing next to me? Same camera angle.
3 years ago
At some point the risk of not eating and losing everything you own will outweigh the knee knockers virus fears.
For many Americans the tipping point has already passed. FUD spreaders shouldn’t trump reality.
Open up and get back to work. Don’t let the Self proclaimed ex-spurts take us all down with them.
Their jackbooted thugs can’t arrest us all.
3 years ago
The democrats all say the same things and only the faces change. It ids almost as though they are programmed androids. Where is Deckard when you need him?
3 years ago
What’s wrong with today? Slackers.
3 years ago
It’s time to get back to work. We know now that the young and healthy are not affected. The elderly and those with compromised health are vulnerable. Let hem shelter in place,receive whatever support they require with the rest returning to work. Trump needs to concentrate on forcing the CCP to pay reparations for the damage they deliberately caused.
