The largest auto union in the country is calling on the biggest manufacturers in the industry to halt production and send workers home amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.
On Tuesday, United Auto Workers President Rory Gamble urged Ford, General Motors, and Fiat Chrysler to adopt measures to keep workers safe according to guidelines announced by the World Health Organization.
“The UAW leadership, based on the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations on how to protect ourselves and our communities, requested a two-week shutdown of operations to safeguard our members, our families and our communities,” wrote Gamble. “Your UAW leadership feels very strongly, and argued very strongly, that this is the most responsible course of action.”
Ford asked for 48 hours to establish a plan for workers as the companies attempt to keep manufacturing rolling through a time of fear and panic. The timeline is set to end at 6 p.m. EDT on Tuesday evening.
“These companies will be put on notice that the UAW will use any and all measures to protect our brothers and sisters who are working in their facilities,” added Gamble. “And make no mistake, we have powerful allies who have stepped up to help us. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, despite what you might have heard in some recent erroneous reports, was instrumental in assisting us in bringing the Big 3 to the table, as was U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell.”
A representative with Fiat Chrysler said the company has already implemented protocols that take into consideration the health and wellness of their employees.
“We are continuing to carefully monitor the situation and are making improvements as needed,” said the representative.
President Trump is expected to ask Congress for $500 billion in payroll tax cuts, $58 billion for the airline industry, and $250 billion in Small Business Association loans as early as next week. Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin also proposed a cash injection for people in the United States struggling to cope with the financial hardships ahead as many of the nation’s businesses shutter services in anticipation of quarantine.
