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U.S. Businesses Take Steps to Reopen U.S. Businesses Take Steps to Reopen
(about 4 hours later)
This briefing is no longer updating. Read the latest developments in the coronavirus outbreak here.This briefing is no longer updating. Read the latest developments in the coronavirus outbreak here.
Democratic lawmakers criticized airlines over employee pay, refunds and new fees at a Senate hearing on Wednesday.Democratic lawmakers criticized airlines over employee pay, refunds and new fees at a Senate hearing on Wednesday.
Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington, the ranking Democrat on the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, singled out United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and JetBlue for their decisions to cut employee hours.Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington, the ranking Democrat on the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, singled out United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and JetBlue for their decisions to cut employee hours.
“Mandatory or forced reductions in payroll hours is not what the CARES Act intended,” she said, referring to the stimulus law passed in March, which authorized $50 billion to help airlines continue operating during the coronavirus pandemic. Half of that funding was intended to pay employees through September, provided airlines refrained from cutting pay or laying off staff.“Mandatory or forced reductions in payroll hours is not what the CARES Act intended,” she said, referring to the stimulus law passed in March, which authorized $50 billion to help airlines continue operating during the coronavirus pandemic. Half of that funding was intended to pay employees through September, provided airlines refrained from cutting pay or laying off staff.
United on Wednesday reversed a plan that would have made thousands of full-time workers into part-timers. A union representing thousands of United employees sued the airline over the plan on Tuesday. The company said the lawsuit was “meritless.”United on Wednesday reversed a plan that would have made thousands of full-time workers into part-timers. A union representing thousands of United employees sued the airline over the plan on Tuesday. The company said the lawsuit was “meritless.”
Executives from United and other airlines did not take part in the hearing. The airlines were represented by the chief executive of the trade group Airlines for America, Nicholas E. Calio. He said airlines were doing whatever they could to survive.Executives from United and other airlines did not take part in the hearing. The airlines were represented by the chief executive of the trade group Airlines for America, Nicholas E. Calio. He said airlines were doing whatever they could to survive.
“The duration and breadth of the impacts directly on our industry compounded by the larger economy leave no doubt that the U.S. airline industry will emerge a shadow of what it was on March 1 of this year,” Mr. Calio said.“The duration and breadth of the impacts directly on our industry compounded by the larger economy leave no doubt that the U.S. airline industry will emerge a shadow of what it was on March 1 of this year,” Mr. Calio said.
That did not satisfy Democrats who said the industry’s practices around refunds were misleading or deceptive. Many airlines have been encouraging travelers to take vouchers for future travel instead of cash.That did not satisfy Democrats who said the industry’s practices around refunds were misleading or deceptive. Many airlines have been encouraging travelers to take vouchers for future travel instead of cash.
Government figures due Friday will undoubtedly show that job losses in April were the worst ever. But they could provide key hints about the recovery.Government figures due Friday will undoubtedly show that job losses in April were the worst ever. But they could provide key hints about the recovery.
Economists surveyed by MarketWatch expect the Labor Department report to show that U.S. payrolls fell by 22 million jobs last month — a decade’s worth of job gains, wiped out in weeks. The payroll processing company ADP on Wednesday said that the private sector lost more than 20 million jobs in April, with the cuts spread across every sector and size of employer.Economists surveyed by MarketWatch expect the Labor Department report to show that U.S. payrolls fell by 22 million jobs last month — a decade’s worth of job gains, wiped out in weeks. The payroll processing company ADP on Wednesday said that the private sector lost more than 20 million jobs in April, with the cuts spread across every sector and size of employer.
It’s no surprise that employers have cut millions of jobs. Weekly data on filings for unemployment benefits, released every Thursday, have tracked the destruction.It’s no surprise that employers have cut millions of jobs. Weekly data on filings for unemployment benefits, released every Thursday, have tracked the destruction.
But the monthly numbers due on Friday are more comprehensive than the weekly ones, which almost certainly understate the damage.But the monthly numbers due on Friday are more comprehensive than the weekly ones, which almost certainly understate the damage.
Friday’s report could also help answer a question that could be crucial to the eventual recovery: How far has the damage spread?Friday’s report could also help answer a question that could be crucial to the eventual recovery: How far has the damage spread?
If the losses are concentrated in sectors that have been directly affected by the virus, like retail and services that were hit by stay-at-home orders, that could bode well for the recovery, because it suggests the damage has been contained. But if it has spread to industries like finance and professional services, that could suggest a cascade effect is underway, with laid-off workers pulling back on spending, leading to lost revenues and still more layoffs. It could take much longer to climb out of that kind of hole.If the losses are concentrated in sectors that have been directly affected by the virus, like retail and services that were hit by stay-at-home orders, that could bode well for the recovery, because it suggests the damage has been contained. But if it has spread to industries like finance and professional services, that could suggest a cascade effect is underway, with laid-off workers pulling back on spending, leading to lost revenues and still more layoffs. It could take much longer to climb out of that kind of hole.
Trump administration officials said Wednesday that meat shortages at grocery stores and fast food chains would be short-lived, despite coronavirus outbreaks that have shuttered meat packing plants around the country and sickened thousands of workers.Trump administration officials said Wednesday that meat shortages at grocery stores and fast food chains would be short-lived, despite coronavirus outbreaks that have shuttered meat packing plants around the country and sickened thousands of workers.
Meat shortages should end within 10 days as plants come online, the agriculture secretary, Sonny Perdue, said in an Oval Office meeting with President Trump and Kim Reynolds, the Republican governor of Iowa.Meat shortages should end within 10 days as plants come online, the agriculture secretary, Sonny Perdue, said in an Oval Office meeting with President Trump and Kim Reynolds, the Republican governor of Iowa.
“I think we’ve turned the corner,” he said. “I’d say probably a week to 10 days, we’ll be back up.”“I think we’ve turned the corner,” he said. “I’d say probably a week to 10 days, we’ll be back up.”
The crowded conditions at the country’s largest meatpacking plants have turned them into coronavirus hot spots and led to the deaths of dozens of workers.The crowded conditions at the country’s largest meatpacking plants have turned them into coronavirus hot spots and led to the deaths of dozens of workers.
Factories across the Midwest have been temporarily shuttered, cutting down on the nation’s supply of hamburger, pork loins and chicken. Hundreds of Wendy’s restaurants have run out of hamburgers, while Costco and Kroger have put limits on the number of meat items customers can purchase.Factories across the Midwest have been temporarily shuttered, cutting down on the nation’s supply of hamburger, pork loins and chicken. Hundreds of Wendy’s restaurants have run out of hamburgers, while Costco and Kroger have put limits on the number of meat items customers can purchase.
The Trump administration issued an executive order last week to put more pressure on meatpacking facilities to remain open and help them reduce their liability to worker lawsuits.The Trump administration issued an executive order last week to put more pressure on meatpacking facilities to remain open and help them reduce their liability to worker lawsuits.
When asked about shortages at Wendy’s, Mr. Trump said he would call the company’s chairman and added that he was confident the problem would go away.When asked about shortages at Wendy’s, Mr. Trump said he would call the company’s chairman and added that he was confident the problem would go away.
Ms. Reynolds said only one meatpacking plant in Iowa was shut — a Tyson pork processing facility in Waterloo that accounts for nearly 4 percent of the country’s pork processing capacity. More than 400 of the plant’s 2,800 employees have already tested positive for coronavirus, and several have died.Ms. Reynolds said only one meatpacking plant in Iowa was shut — a Tyson pork processing facility in Waterloo that accounts for nearly 4 percent of the country’s pork processing capacity. More than 400 of the plant’s 2,800 employees have already tested positive for coronavirus, and several have died.
Meat packing plants have installed new safety features including barriers between workers and new requirements for protective gear. But many workers stay they are still nervous to returning to facilities that had become hotbeds of infection.Meat packing plants have installed new safety features including barriers between workers and new requirements for protective gear. But many workers stay they are still nervous to returning to facilities that had become hotbeds of infection.
More people and businesses are using electronic payments and other alternatives to the traditional financial system in the coronavirus pandemic, according to new financial results announced by PayPal and Square on Wednesday.More people and businesses are using electronic payments and other alternatives to the traditional financial system in the coronavirus pandemic, according to new financial results announced by PayPal and Square on Wednesday.
In April alone, PayPal said, it added an average of 250,000 new active accounts every day, bringing the total new accounts for the month up 135 percent from March, when growth was also higher than normal.In April alone, PayPal said, it added an average of 250,000 new active accounts every day, bringing the total new accounts for the month up 135 percent from March, when growth was also higher than normal.
At both PayPal and Square, new customers flocked to the apps that allow consumers to make direct payments to friends and family. Those apps have come to serve as alternative bank accounts for many people. The number of new people using Square’s offering, Square Cash, as a bank account was four times higher in April than in March.At both PayPal and Square, new customers flocked to the apps that allow consumers to make direct payments to friends and family. Those apps have come to serve as alternative bank accounts for many people. The number of new people using Square’s offering, Square Cash, as a bank account was four times higher in April than in March.
The forced closing of many businesses hurt revenue at PayPal and Square in the most recent quarter, but their growth suggests the companies are likely to come out of the crisis with an expanded customer base.The forced closing of many businesses hurt revenue at PayPal and Square in the most recent quarter, but their growth suggests the companies are likely to come out of the crisis with an expanded customer base.
Gap, which owns its namesake brand, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta, said on Wednesday that it planned to reopen up to 800 stores in North America by the end of May, as retailers clamor to return to business after shutting down because of the coronavirus pandemic.Gap, which owns its namesake brand, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta, said on Wednesday that it planned to reopen up to 800 stores in North America by the end of May, as retailers clamor to return to business after shutting down because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Our goal is to be responsibly aggressive,” Sonia Syngal, chief executive of Gap, said in an interview with The New York Times’s Sapna Maheshwari on Tuesday. “Every retailer will have its own opening strategy, but suffice it to say we are looking to open where we’re legally allowed to open as soon as we can.”“Our goal is to be responsibly aggressive,” Sonia Syngal, chief executive of Gap, said in an interview with The New York Times’s Sapna Maheshwari on Tuesday. “Every retailer will have its own opening strategy, but suffice it to say we are looking to open where we’re legally allowed to open as soon as we can.”
The plan follows similar strategies announced in recent weeks by Macy’s, the owner of Bloomingdales and Bluemercury, and Simon Property Group, the biggest mall operator in the United States. Macy’s said on April 30 that it planned to reopen all its 775 stores, including its major flagships in Manhattan, within six to eight weeks.The plan follows similar strategies announced in recent weeks by Macy’s, the owner of Bloomingdales and Bluemercury, and Simon Property Group, the biggest mall operator in the United States. Macy’s said on April 30 that it planned to reopen all its 775 stores, including its major flagships in Manhattan, within six to eight weeks.
Gap will start reopening a batch of stores this weekend in Texas, though it declined to specify a number. The openings of 800 stores — nearly one-third of its locations in North America — would be dependent on guidelines from state and local authorities, Ms. Syngal said.Gap will start reopening a batch of stores this weekend in Texas, though it declined to specify a number. The openings of 800 stores — nearly one-third of its locations in North America — would be dependent on guidelines from state and local authorities, Ms. Syngal said.
Gap said it would put into place a range of safety measures in stores, including supplying associates with face masks and installing plexiglass partitions in front of registers. Fitting rooms and restrooms will not be available, and returns will be quarantined for 24 hours.Gap said it would put into place a range of safety measures in stores, including supplying associates with face masks and installing plexiglass partitions in front of registers. Fitting rooms and restrooms will not be available, and returns will be quarantined for 24 hours.
The company had furloughed nearly 80,000 store employees in the United States and Canada as part of the closures.The company had furloughed nearly 80,000 store employees in the United States and Canada as part of the closures.
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by an anonymous worker claiming that her employer, a Smithfield Foods pork plant in Milan, Mo., had taken insufficient steps to keep workers safe during the coronavirus pandemic.A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by an anonymous worker claiming that her employer, a Smithfield Foods pork plant in Milan, Mo., had taken insufficient steps to keep workers safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
In the ruling on Tuesday, the judge found that jurisdiction over the plant lay with two federal agencies, the Department of Agriculture and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, rather than with the courts. The judge also said that the plant had taken “significant steps” to lower the risk of a coronavirus outbreak among its workers, such as giving them more space to eat while on break.In the ruling on Tuesday, the judge found that jurisdiction over the plant lay with two federal agencies, the Department of Agriculture and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, rather than with the courts. The judge also said that the plant had taken “significant steps” to lower the risk of a coronavirus outbreak among its workers, such as giving them more space to eat while on break.
Updated June 22, 2020 Updated June 24, 2020
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
The suit sought an injunction requiring the plant to allow workers to stand farther apart and to make it easier for the employees to practice good hygiene, like covering their mouths while coughing. The suit also sought more frequent breaks for workers to clean their hands and a more generous sick-leave policy.The suit sought an injunction requiring the plant to allow workers to stand farther apart and to make it easier for the employees to practice good hygiene, like covering their mouths while coughing. The suit also sought more frequent breaks for workers to clean their hands and a more generous sick-leave policy.
David Seligman, one of the lawyers involved in bringing the case, said in a statement that “the only thing that made Smithfield’s operation of this plant no longer a clear ‘offense against the public order’ was the changes that they’d made since our clients filed this lawsuit.”David Seligman, one of the lawyers involved in bringing the case, said in a statement that “the only thing that made Smithfield’s operation of this plant no longer a clear ‘offense against the public order’ was the changes that they’d made since our clients filed this lawsuit.”
Smithfield said in a statement that it was pleased with the decision and that “from the start, we stated that this lawsuit was frivolous, full of specious allegations that were without factual or legal merit.”Smithfield said in a statement that it was pleased with the decision and that “from the start, we stated that this lawsuit was frivolous, full of specious allegations that were without factual or legal merit.”
The North American plants of the three big U.S. automakers have been closed since mid-March. Mostly.The North American plants of the three big U.S. automakers have been closed since mid-March. Mostly.
A handful of General Motors workers have labored on — including several dozen at a plant in Bedford, Ind., that makes chassis for Chevrolet Corvettes.A handful of General Motors workers have labored on — including several dozen at a plant in Bedford, Ind., that makes chassis for Chevrolet Corvettes.
A G.M. spokesman said the factory’s continuing operation was aimed at reducing a chassis shortage and helping resume Corvette production more quickly once the company reopens an assembly plant in Bowling Green, Ky.A G.M. spokesman said the factory’s continuing operation was aimed at reducing a chassis shortage and helping resume Corvette production more quickly once the company reopens an assembly plant in Bowling Green, Ky.
The spokesman said that the Bedford plant was running three shifts a day — with about 20 people per shift, down from about 250 hourly workers normally — and that the workers had volunteered for the assignment, at their usual wage.The spokesman said that the Bedford plant was running three shifts a day — with about 20 people per shift, down from about 250 hourly workers normally — and that the workers had volunteered for the assignment, at their usual wage.
The company said Wednesday that it planned to “restart the majority of manufacturing operations” in North America on May 18.The company said Wednesday that it planned to “restart the majority of manufacturing operations” in North America on May 18.
The G.M. spokesman said that aside from the Bedford plant, the company had continued work at a Texas plant to finish building a sport utility vehicle before the plant changed over to a new model, and in Lockport, N.Y., to make replacement parts for existing vehicles.The G.M. spokesman said that aside from the Bedford plant, the company had continued work at a Texas plant to finish building a sport utility vehicle before the plant changed over to a new model, and in Lockport, N.Y., to make replacement parts for existing vehicles.
Brian Rothenberg, a United Automobile Workers spokesman, said the union had cooperated with such efforts if the return to work was voluntary and adequate safety measures were in place.Brian Rothenberg, a United Automobile Workers spokesman, said the union had cooperated with such efforts if the return to work was voluntary and adequate safety measures were in place.
After a day of swinging between gains and losses, stocks on Wall Street ended with a small decline Wednesday.After a day of swinging between gains and losses, stocks on Wall Street ended with a small decline Wednesday.
Markets had been buoyed this week by signs that the countries hardest hit by the virus were slowly emerging from economically devastating lockdowns, though gains on Monday and Tuesday were small — as was Wednesday’s decline. The S&P 500 fell less than 1 percent.Markets had been buoyed this week by signs that the countries hardest hit by the virus were slowly emerging from economically devastating lockdowns, though gains on Monday and Tuesday were small — as was Wednesday’s decline. The S&P 500 fell less than 1 percent.
The rest of the week will bring more concrete evidence of the severity of the damage caused by the shutdown, with a monthly report on unemployment Friday to provide a comprehensive look at the number of Americans out of work.The rest of the week will bring more concrete evidence of the severity of the damage caused by the shutdown, with a monthly report on unemployment Friday to provide a comprehensive look at the number of Americans out of work.
Already, reports on jobless claims have shown that more than 30 million workers in the United States sought unemployment benefits over the six weeks through April. Another weekly update is due on Thursday.Already, reports on jobless claims have shown that more than 30 million workers in the United States sought unemployment benefits over the six weeks through April. Another weekly update is due on Thursday.
On Wednesday, the ADP National Employment Report showed the private sector work force had plunged by 20 million jobs in April. Separately, new data from the European Commission predicted a deep recession on the continent this year.On Wednesday, the ADP National Employment Report showed the private sector work force had plunged by 20 million jobs in April. Separately, new data from the European Commission predicted a deep recession on the continent this year.
Oil prices, which had rebounded over the past two days, fell on Wednesday. The price of benchmark crude in the United States retreated to a little over $23 a barrel. Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell below $30 a barrel.Oil prices, which had rebounded over the past two days, fell on Wednesday. The price of benchmark crude in the United States retreated to a little over $23 a barrel. Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell below $30 a barrel.
Lyft on Wednesday gave investors their first detailed look at how the coronavirus had affected its ride-hailing service. Revenue fell 6 percent from the previous quarter, to $955.7 million. Lyft lost $398 million, up 10 percent from its loss in the previous quarter.Lyft on Wednesday gave investors their first detailed look at how the coronavirus had affected its ride-hailing service. Revenue fell 6 percent from the previous quarter, to $955.7 million. Lyft lost $398 million, up 10 percent from its loss in the previous quarter.
BuzzFeed’s chief executive and founder, Jonah Peretti, told staff Wednesday that 68 noneditorial employees, from the business, studio and administration teams, would be furloughed for three months, with a goal of keeping losses this year to under $20 million, according to an email obtained by The New York Times. Mr. Peretti also said cuts to the news division would be necessary and that he would begin discussions with the union about them. BuzzFeed has already instituted staff-wide graduated pay cuts for those making more than $40,000 a year.BuzzFeed’s chief executive and founder, Jonah Peretti, told staff Wednesday that 68 noneditorial employees, from the business, studio and administration teams, would be furloughed for three months, with a goal of keeping losses this year to under $20 million, according to an email obtained by The New York Times. Mr. Peretti also said cuts to the news division would be necessary and that he would begin discussions with the union about them. BuzzFeed has already instituted staff-wide graduated pay cuts for those making more than $40,000 a year.
Uber said it would lay off about 3,700 full time workers on its customer support and recruiting teams as the ride-hailing business slumps. Uber had about 27,000 employees at the end of 2019, and the company was reported last week to be looking at cuts of about 20 percent of its work force. Uber also said its chief executive, Dara Khosrowshahi, would waive his base salary for the rest of the year.Uber said it would lay off about 3,700 full time workers on its customer support and recruiting teams as the ride-hailing business slumps. Uber had about 27,000 employees at the end of 2019, and the company was reported last week to be looking at cuts of about 20 percent of its work force. Uber also said its chief executive, Dara Khosrowshahi, would waive his base salary for the rest of the year.
United Airlines announced a $2.25 billion bond offering on Wednesday that would be used to pay down a $2 billion loan it took out in early March. The airline also said it would no longer force thousands of full-time workers to part-time status, a move that prompted a union lawsuit, if enough employees volunteer for a reduction in hours.United Airlines announced a $2.25 billion bond offering on Wednesday that would be used to pay down a $2 billion loan it took out in early March. The airline also said it would no longer force thousands of full-time workers to part-time status, a move that prompted a union lawsuit, if enough employees volunteer for a reduction in hours.
The New York Times Company reported on Wednesday that it had netted 587,000 new digital subscriptions in the first quarter and surpassed six million total subscriptions by the end of April. But its chief executive, Mark Thompson, warned that advertising revenue had plummeted and could continue to fall by as much as 55 percent in the second quarter.The New York Times Company reported on Wednesday that it had netted 587,000 new digital subscriptions in the first quarter and surpassed six million total subscriptions by the end of April. But its chief executive, Mark Thompson, warned that advertising revenue had plummeted and could continue to fall by as much as 55 percent in the second quarter.
BMW said Wednesday that deliveries of new vehicles plunged 20 percent in the first three months of the year and warned that it was bracing for a long period of depressed sales. The German carmaker said it “expects the consequences of the corona pandemic to constrain the operations of the entire automotive industry for quite some time to come.” Car sales, BMW said in a statement, “are not going to return to normal in the space of just a few weeks.”BMW said Wednesday that deliveries of new vehicles plunged 20 percent in the first three months of the year and warned that it was bracing for a long period of depressed sales. The German carmaker said it “expects the consequences of the corona pandemic to constrain the operations of the entire automotive industry for quite some time to come.” Car sales, BMW said in a statement, “are not going to return to normal in the space of just a few weeks.”
Reporting and research was contributed by Ana Swanson, Noam Scheiber, Kate Conger, Ben Casselman, Sapna Maheshwari, Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Adam Satariano, Marc Tracy, Neal E. Boudette, Jack Ewing, Carlos Tejada, Kevin Williams, Niraj Chokshi, Mohammed Hadi, Lin Qiqing, Katie Robertson and Kevin Granville.Reporting and research was contributed by Ana Swanson, Noam Scheiber, Kate Conger, Ben Casselman, Sapna Maheshwari, Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Adam Satariano, Marc Tracy, Neal E. Boudette, Jack Ewing, Carlos Tejada, Kevin Williams, Niraj Chokshi, Mohammed Hadi, Lin Qiqing, Katie Robertson and Kevin Granville.