On March 9, Ford placed 75% of employees at the Taubate plant in Brazil on paid leave, according to the Metalworkers Union, with work to resume at the normal pace of production on March 16.
According to the union, the measure was justified by Ford to adjust the production volume to meet market demand and the action was not related to the coronavirus outbreak which has impacted some companies in the region.
The paid leave runs until March 13 and the remaining 25% of workers continue to work at a normal pace at the plant.
Ford has 920 employees in Taubate and produces engines and transmissions at the plant.
(From multiple sources on March 11, 2020)