US Auto Industry Chooses Production Cuts Over North American Plant Shutdowns Amid COVID-19

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] On the 17th (local time), foreign media reported that American automobile manufacturers and their workers have agreed to operate factory production in North America on a limited basis in response to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). To prevent the spread of COVID-19, some production facilities will implement rotational shutdowns, limiting the number of workers on duty at the same time.

According to reports, American automakers such as General Motors (GM), Ford, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), along with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, agreed to this as part of a plan to protect workers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 150,000 workers belong to the UAW.

Both sides agreed on rotational shutdowns of some production facilities, extensive deep disinfection of facilities, maintaining extended work intervals between shift workers, and establishing comprehensive plans to avoid contact between workers. The UAW initially demanded a two-week factory shutdown the day before, but the companies rejected this, leading to a negotiated agreement to limit production instead during the talks.

The FCA stated, "There have been no confirmed COVID-19 cases at the Warren plant yet," adding, "We are carefully monitoring the situation and will take necessary proactive preventive measures for the health and welfare of our workforce."

Ford, Volkswagen, Daimler, and Nissan announced on the same day that they would halt production at their factories in Europe. Earlier, Renault, Fiat Chrysler, Toyota, and PSA had already announced production stoppages the previous day. Ford decided to close its plants in Germany and Romania but said its engine manufacturing plant in the United Kingdom would continue operating.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.