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Detroit’s car companies are targeting May 18 to resume some production at their U.S. factories, The Wall Street Journal reports, citing "people familiar with the plans."
Workers in Arlingtron, Texas, build 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe models before the shutdown. (Photo: General Motors)
The target date comes after executives from General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler tentatively settled on a timeline following talks with the United Auto Workers and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office, the sources tell the paper.
Whitmer last week extended the state's stay-home order until May 15.
Plans shut March 18 because of the coronavirus. Ford began repopening preparations Monday, when some managers and UAW members returned to unidentified plants. "These workers will begin putting safety protocols in place that we will use when we do reopen our facilities," said Kelli Felker, Ford global manufacturing and communications manager, quoted by the Detroit Free Press.
The union has been resistant about workers returning to factories without sound health practices in place. The companies worked with the union to draw up safety protocols, the Journal reports.
It will take longer for workers to enter the plant while waiting for safety screening.
