Detroit automakers Ford, General Motors, FCA agree to close all US plants

The Detroit Three automakers agreed Wednesday to UAW demands to shut down all North American plants as a precaution against coronavirus. During the shutdown, the union members will get paid similar to the compensation plan for when they are on a leave, said Brian Rothenberg, UAW spokesman. "The contract allows for supplemental pay on top of their unemployment, which is about 88% of their pay," said Rothenberg. Ford Motor Co. said that after Thursday evening shifts, the company will temporarily suspend production at its North America plants to March 30 to clean its facilities to protect its workforce and boost containment efforts for the coronavirus. Ford said it will continue to work closely with union leaders to find ways to help keep workers healthy and safe, "even as we look at solutions for continuing to provide the vehicles customers really want and need,” said Kumar Galhotra, Ford’s president of North America. “In these unprecedented times, we’re exploring unique and creative solutions to support our workforce, customers, dealers, suppliers and communities.”...MORE