DETROIT -- Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said it is postponing work associated with test laboratories and pilot plants at its Auburn Hills headquarters beginning Monday amid reports that a technical support worker there died after testing positive for COVID-19.
The Detroit Free Press and Detroit News, citing sources, reported the news Sunday. An FCA spokesman said the company isn't making any specific comments on any employee.
"This postponement will be reviewed on a regular basis and employees advised when we intend to resume operations," the company said in a statement. In addition, the company said, more workers will be allowed to work from home.
The Free Press said a "UAW member in Auburn Hills confirmed he was told by a UAW official that a non-union FCA employee had tested positive and died."
The paper reported that the worker was a man in his 50s "who provided technical support for dynamometers."
FCA said it has implemented an extensive program of cleaning and social-distancing protocols across all of its operations.
On Wednesday, FCA said it was suspending production at North American plants through the end of March. As of last week, two COVID-19 cases have been detected among FCA’s plant workers. One is employed at the Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant, and the other works at a transmission plant in Kokomo, Ind.
Following an agreement with the UAW, FCA said it will begin operating its Mopar Parts Distribution Centers using hourly-paid volunteers beginning Monday.
