Detroit automakers and UAW to discuss reopening of U.S. plants

The United Auto Works (UAW) said on Wednesday night that discussions with Detroit’s major automakers are still inching towards safely reopening U.S. production plants.

Collectively known as Detroit’s Big Three, Ford Motors Co, General Motors Co, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV had previously halted operations in March due to the COVID-19 outbreak reaching the United States.    

Detroit’s Big Three plans to restart a portion of its U.S. assembly plants by May.

UAW President Rory Gamble stated that the ongoing talks are “fluid” in order to ensure that the reopening companies followed safety protocols.

The UAW and Detroit’s automakers have been in talks since early April.

A General Motors spokesperson said on Wednesday that the company had developed “screening, cleaning, and social strategies” for all of its facilities. They further ensured that the strategies were in line with input from the UAW and guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The safety procedures agreed upon by the UAW and Detroit’s automakers could serve as a template for other manufacturing industries planning to reopen.