BMW requests reduction of working hours
The measure could benefit a total of 20.000 workers at the German automaker
BMW asked the Federal Employment Agency (BA) to reduce the working hours of some 20,000 employees, most of whom work at the German plants in Dingolfing, Munich, Regensburg and Leipzig, a company spokeswoman said today.
This measure temporarily regulates employment during a crisis, since the BA covers up to 67 percent of salary.
The automaker had already halted production at its European factories two weeks ago due to the crisis caused by the coronavirus. Initially, the production lines will remain idle until April 19. After that, production will restart.
An exception is the Austrian engine plant in Steyr, which also supplies China. At this plant, work will resume next Monday. At the US plant in Spartanburg, where urban SUVs are manufactured, production has only been stopped since this week and, after Easter, will immediately start up.
Due to the pandemic, the demand for cars has decreased significantly. Many dealerships in Europe have closed and numerous suppliers are also stopping work.
Source: dpa
