(WXYZ) — Some United Auto Workers are returning to work Monday in preparation to restart production at some Ford and GM plants.
Work has been idled since mid-March due to COVID-19 concerns.
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- GM is getting plants ready to reopen with new safety measures
- Ford calls for some workers to return in preparation of future restart date
Those returning to work this week will adhere to strict safety protocols, per Ford and GM, including health screenings with temperature checks and social distancing.
"No one knows when things are going to get back to the new normal," said GM CEO Mary Barra. "Others refer to it as the new abnormal."
UAW President Rory Gamble says restarting plants by May 1 is too soon.
“…The UAW does not believe the scientific data is conclusive that it is safe to have our members back in the workplace. We have not done enough testing to really understand the threat our members face,” he said in a statement.
We do not know which specific @Ford plants will welcome back workers this week, but both @Ford and @GM have said strict health & safety protocols will be in place including temperature checks @wxyzdetroit
— Jenn Schanz (@JennSchanzWXYZ) April 27, 2020
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