How do you keep a factory open in the time of COVID-19?

[Girard442]

I work in a small factory north of NYC. About 300 people working three shifts. Real estate is pricey here so many of my coworkers commute from quite a ways.

Here's the thing: I don't see how the company stays open for more than a few more weeks. It's going to work a hardship on many of us -- the wages here are pretty low and many of my coworkers don't speak English as a first language. It's a factory -- telecommuting is a possibility for almost nobody.

The saving grace is that the many of the products the company makes are used for sanitation and infection control. NY state and the Federal government have an interest in keeping the place running.

I'm kind of wondering if anyone has any insights how to do that. I'm not any kind of management. I'm just a retired shmoe, who took a temp job to make some bucks and stayed on because the place grew on me. I'd appreciate any insights anyone might have.

Thanks in advance,
G

[bluedye33139]

1. My partner works in a lumber mill

Because there is virtually no physical contact between employees, they have told employees that they are likely to remain open. But we live in Washington State, and we're all prepared every day for things to be shut down.

[dweller]

2. hotels motels etc

are going to be experiencing a real downturn soon as more ppl will start staying home, cancelling trips/vacations etc

see if mgmt is interested in making a deal with one to house workers short time,
cut out commutes, allowing workers to work longer shifts, maybe cutting back to
2 12 hr shifts etc, offer workers $ incentives ...


✌🏼

[zackymilly]

5. You know, that is a great idea you have. It helps everyone all around. n/t

[Freddie]

3. My husband manages an auto parts warehouse

Part of a chain. They sell to garages and dealerships, it’s not retail or open to the public. Business has dropped dramatically and I imagine people will stop getting their cars fixed and his customers will close. It’s a good company to work for and they treat their employees well but you never know.

[ms liberty]

4. Layoffs. That is what I expect to happen

The first week of a layoff is a waiting period so employees won't get paid for it, but after that they will get a percentage of their wages. I'm in the office of a medium to large furniture corporation, and furniture sales are a real indicator of the economy. No one buys furniture when there is economic uncertainty, it's not a necessity item. This is going to hit hard.

[misanthrope]

6. Considering the growing automation in manufacturing

I would imagine close quarters contact to be more rare than previously. I'm not a factory worker, though and am speaking from a point of utter ignorance. Any light you can shine on my supposition would be welcome.

[krispos42]

8. The employees still gather in lunchrooms to eat, or at minumum use the microwaves

Plus the smokers gather outside in little clumps during breaks.

And there are still offices that need to run. Engineering, Quality Control, Purchasing, Order Entry, etc.

My place is a machine shop, about 75 total people in two buildings. Not manufacturing per se; we don't have robots assembling things, for example. We machine parts for customers, a "job shop". Each machine generally has an operator, and they to have to talk occasionally, plus to the various leader figures in our organization. The machines are in a group in larger rooms.

[misanthrope]

9. OK, thanks. Very enlightening

and a great way to realize the lack of my own imagination and reasoning. Nothing like a little humble pie in the afternoon.

[dalton99a]

7. In 1918 factories were allowed to operate but many couldn't because they lost workers

causing a severe labor shortage