2 Ford workers diagnosed with coronavirus die, UAW confirms

Two Ford hourly workers have died of COVID-19, UAW and company officials confirmed Saturday night.

One worker was based at Dearborn Stamping while the other worker was a skilled trades member at the Ford Data Center in Dearborn, said Brian Rothenberg, spokesman for the UAW.

Ford spokeswoman Kelli Felker said in a statement, "We are saddened to report that two Ford team members who worked in Dearborn passed away after contracting COVID-19."

"It is a tragic reminder that the coronavirus crisis is everywhere and requires the attention of all of us. Our thoughts are with their families, friends and co-workers during this difficult time. Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our workforce, dealers, customers and communities," she said. "We will continue to follow the guidance from global health experts to do all we can to keep our people healthy."

Rory Gamble, president of the UAW, sent out a letter addressed to union brothers and sisters "that two more of our members have fallen to the virus."

He extended "gratitude and concern for our members and all the brave men and women who are serving on the front lines of this crisis to keep all of us safe. We pray for your well being and safety," he wrote. "We continue to work tirelessly to protect our members and our communities during this global crisis ... We are in this together."

More: Henry Ford Health officials confirm letter outlining life and death protocols for COVID-19

More: Ford worker in Dearborn tests positive for coronavirus, under quarantine

More: Detroit automakers Ford, General Motors, FCA agree to close all US plants

More: UAW plant leader's emotional day: Pleas to management and dread from the line

The UAW confirmed Tuesday two factory workers employed by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles had died, one from Sterling Heights Assembly Plant and one from the Kokomo Transmission Plant in Indiana. The UAW confirmed Wednesday a worker from FCA Warren Truck had died. The UAW confirmed Thursday a worker from FCA Transport in Sterling Heights died. In addition, the UAW has confirmed a non-UAW member working at company headquarters died. FCA is working with the union to track cases and outcomes.

Contact Phoebe Wall Howard at 313-222-6512 or phoward@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @phoebesaid. Read more on Ford and sign up for our autos newsletter.