UAW President Rory Gamble has called on Ford, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and General Motors to shutter factories to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
In an open letter, Gamble called on automakers to put the safety and well-being of their employees first.
As he explained, “The UAW leadership, based on the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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.”
Also Read: FCA Shuts Down Factories In Italy, Serbia And Poland Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Gamble went on to say the union feels “very strongly” about this and considers a shutdown to be the “most responsible course of action.” However, the automakers were “not willing to implement this request” and instead asked for 48 hours to develop a plan to keep employees safe from the pandemic.
The UAW granted them the 48 hour window and said they’ll review the proposals at a meeting this evening. However, Gamble stressed if the UAW is “not satisfied that our members will be protected, we will take this conversation to the next level.”
That’s pretty threatening language and Gamble went on to say “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.” The union went on to say they have “powerful allies” including Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell.
The threat is open-ended, but it’s not hard to imagine the union calling for a sickout or a work stoppage. The reference to Governor Whitmer is also interesting as the union could try to pressure her to sign an executive order that applies to automakers.
3/3: Created COVID-19 task forces
3/6: Ensured Medicaid waiver for copays & cost sharing for testing
3/10: Declared a State of Emergency
3/11: Recommended mitigation strategies
3/12: Expanded access to telemedicine
3/12: Closed all K-12 schools— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) March 17, 2020
Despite allegations from President Trump, Whitmer has been actively fighting the spread of the coronavirus. On March 10th, she declared a state of emergency and have been rolling out new initiatives since them. They include the closure of all K-12 schools, a temporary ban on large gatherings and the closure of restaurants, bars, movie theaters, fitness centers and other such facilities.
In other news, the UAW confirmed one of its members from the GM Warren Tech Center tested positive for the coronavirus. The union said they’re working with GM to inform any other members who should be in quarantine from the potential expose.
