(WXYZ) — As autoworkers continue to head back to work, the UAW says it is 'aggressive' in making sure the Big 3 automakers comply with COVID-19 safety protocol.
Just last Saturday, Ford confirmed it will hire temporary workers in anticipation of coronavirus concern-related absences.
A UAW spokesperson released this statement to 7 Action News:
As a matter of policy we don’t discuss pending grievances or legal matters. But I can say that the UAW is being aggressive in making sure that all protocols are being followed in all workplaces and that they meet CDC and WHO guidelines. The UAW is also continually reviewing enhanced protocols as they become available and has long been advocating as much testing as possible and full testing when it becomes available.
In Southeast Michigan, where Ford employs about 46,000 people, employees who exhibit symptoms associated with COVID-19 will receive a prescription for testing from Ford’s onsite doctors, according to the automaker.
This prescription will allow employees to receive testing through Beaumont Health.
In response to calls to shut down its Dearborn plant for coronavirus testing, Ford released this statement Saturday:
The safety of our workforce is our top priority. Working closely with the UAW and external experts in infectious disease and epidemiology, we have developed safety standards to protect our workforce; we follow those protocols at all Ford facilities globally. Our safety protocol continues to evolve as we learn more about COVID-19.
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