Big 3 automakers to shutter plants over worker fears about coronavirus

BELVIDERE — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said Wednesday that it would temporarily shutter its Belvidere plant because of worker fears about the new coronavirus.

Production will halt at FCA plants across North America, "starting progressively from today through the end of March," said a statement released by FCA.

"While production is paused, the company will put actions into place to facilitate the steps agreed to through the joint task force set up between United Auto Workers and the automakers," the statement said. "Through this period, which we will re-evaluate at the end of this month, FCA will work to enhance its manufacturing operations to facilitate the changes agreed with the UAW including shift timings, structures and enhanced cleaning protocols."

FCA is one of the largest employers in the Rockford area. The company's Belvidere plant, which produces Jeep Cherokees, employs about 3,700 workers. The annoucement made Wednesday may not affect employees who are not working due to a previously-announced plant shutdown that was due to last until March 30, said FCA spokeswoman Jodi Tinson in an email.

The Associated Press reported earlier Wednesday that Detroit's other two automakers, Ford Co. and General Motors Co., have also decided to temporarily halt automobile production to address employee concerns about the novel coronavirus pandemic. The United Auto Workers union has been pushing for factories to close because workers are fearful of coming into contact with the virus.

Earlier on Wednesday, Fiat Chrysler said it is suspending production at its Sterling Heights Assembly Plant and Ford said it is suspending production at its Michigan Assembly plant in Wayne after workers at those plants tested positive for COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.

FCA CEO Mike Manley said:

“Working with the UAW, and having visited many of our plants yesterday, we need to ensure employees feel safe at work and that we are taking every step possible to protect them. We will continue to do what is right for our people through this period of uncertainty.”

Exactly how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting FCA's bottom line is not yet clear. The statement issued Wednesday said that company officials are "evaluating the impact of all steps being taken inside the company related to the coronavirus emergency on our current financial guidance. We will provide an update on our financial guidance when that evaluation is complete and we have sufficient visibility on market conditions."

Isaac Guerrero: iguerrero@rrstar.com; @isaac_rrs