DETROIT — Major U.S. automakers are planning to reopen North American factories within two weeks, potentially putting thousands of workers back on the assembly line as part of a gradual return to normality.
Fiat Chrysler CEO Mike Manley said Tuesday that his company plans to start reopening factories on May 18, but that requires an easing of government restrictions.
According to the Detroit Free Press, General Motors could be resuming production sooner than that. The Freep said employees would find out this morning when they are expected to return to work.
The report said UAW members were told assembly lines could ramp up as early as next week with production lines resuming on May 18. GM said an official announcement will be made Wednesday.
For now, Michigan’s shelter-at-home order remains in effect until May 15. Detroit automakers will likely be on the same timetable because their workers are represented by the same union.
The United Auto Workers union on Tuesday appeared to be onboard.
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