STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. (WXYZ) — A group of first shift workers at FCA Assembly in Sterling Heights told Action News they reported to work as usual Wednesday morning, but chose not to touch the equipment out of a concern for their health and safety.
A worker at the plant recently tested positive for COVID-19. The company said the employee has not been at the plant for over a week and is receiving medical care.
“Today, we stood. Not for us. We stood for our family. Today, we invested in our health," said team leader and plant worker, Ruben Ortega.
By mid-morning, FCA announced it would temporarily suspend production at the plant.
"Out of an abundance of caution for the health and welfare of the employees at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, FCA is suspending production on Wednesday, March 18. Employees on the first shift have been sent home. Workers on the second shift should not report. The Company is working to align the plant’s shift pattern with yesterday’s announced agreement with the UAW. Further information regarding the resumption of operations will be shared later today," said company spokesperson Jodi Tinson in a statement.
"At the end of the day, we all work for the same company. Your safety is just as important as my safety," said Briana Ramsey, who works on the assembly line.
JUST IN: FCA Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights suspending production beginning today amid #COVID19 concerns. Statement below @wxyzdetroit @UAW @FiatChrysler_NA pic.twitter.com/73z66033Gx
— Jenn Schanz (@JennSchanzWXYZ) March 18, 2020
The decision is a necessary one, said machine worker Deron Gordon.
"We’re this close for ten hours. And they’re telling us that we need to be at least 3 feet away, but we’re constantly on top of each other doing the job. How does that make any sense?"
“Obviously, everybody is scared. We have a pandemic going on," he said.
This decision comes one day after the United Auto Workers reached a compromise with The Big 3 on additional safety measures to be taken amid this spreading virus. The union wanted to temporarily close plants across the board. The agreement consists of:
-Partial plant shutdowns
-Extensive deep cleaning
-Extended periods between shifts
-Extensive plans to avoid contact within the plants
FCA confirms employees were sent home overnight Tuesday into Wednesday to allow for a deep cleaning of the plant.
It's unclear when the plant, which builds the RAM 1500, will resume operations.