Back to Work? Companies Finding It Easier Said Than Done

United Auto Workers (UAW) members walk outside of UAW Local 5960 as they vote in Lake Orion, Michigan, as they strike against General Motors on October 25, 2019. - General Motors hourly workers ratified a new contract with the auto giant, ending the longest automotive strike in nearly 50 years. The package includes an $11,000 ratification bonus, wage increases and no increases in health care costs, said statements from GM and the United Auto Workers, touting the agreement as a compromise that worked for both sides after difficult negotiations. (Photo by JEFF KOWALSKY / AFP) Photo by JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images

NEW YORK—As state and federal leaders tussle over when and how fast to “reopen” the U.S. economy amid the CCP virus pandemic, some corporations are taking the first steps toward bringing their employees back to work. Which in many cases is easier said than done.

Detroit-area automakers, which suspended production roughly a month ago, are pushing to restart factories as states like Michigan prepare to relax their stay-at-home orders. Fiat Chrysler has already announced a May 4 gradual restart date; General Motors and Ford don’t want to be left behind.