Detroit automakers look to restart N. America plants May 18

Major U.S. automakers are planning to reopen rth American factories within two weeks, potentially putting thousands of workers back on assembly line as part of a grual return to rmality.

Fiat Chrysler CEO Mike Manley said Tuesday his company plans to start reopening factories May 18 depending on easing of government restrictions. Detroit automakers will likely be on same timetable because ir workers are represented by same union.

United Auto Workers union on Tuesday appeared to be onboard.

Detroit automakers employ about 150,000 factory workers in United States alone. Auto plants have been shut since mid-March because of outbreak. At least 25 employees at auto facilities represented by UAW have died as a result of COVID-19, although it's t kwn if y were infected at work.

Manley said a lot depends on wher Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer allows factories to reopen. Michigan's shelter-at-home order remains in effect until May 15.

Last week, Whitmer hinted that auto plants may soon reopen as curve of cases continues to flatten. She said reopening could take place as long as UAW can ensure employees feel safe.

Armed protesters entered Capitol building last week and Republican-led state legislature refused to extend state’s coronavirus emergency declaration. y also voted to authorize a lawsuit challenging Whitmer’s authority and actions to combat pandemic.

Whitmer faces pressure from White House to relax restrictions as well.

Auto manufacturing is a major ecomic driver in Michigan, of course, and state is facing a crippling cutoff in revenue with plants closed.