In defiance of local county officials, Tesla is asking employees at its Fremont car plant to return to work. Last week, Elon Musk, CEO Tesla, planned to resume operations at the site, but Alameda County health officials stated that the factory didn"t meet the criteria for reopening and must remain closed.
Musk then threatened to pull the company headquarters out of the state in addition to filing a lawsuit against Alameda County seeking injunctive relief. This scuffle comes amidst the gradual reopening of businesses across the U.S., as the coronavirus pandemic has put millions of Americans out of work.
Tesla is restarting production today against Alameda County rules. I will be on the line with everyone else. If anyone is arrested, I ask that it only be me.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 11, 2020
Referring to an order by California"s governor permitting manufacturers to resume operations, Tesla said that as of Sunday, previously furloughed employees are back to work. The email titled “Furlough Has Ended And We Are Back To Work in Production!” informed workers that "very detailed plans" have been put in place to ensure their safety. (via Reuters)
Steven Mnuchin, U.S. Treasury Secretary, also encouraged the state to do whatever is necessary to ensure the reopening of the Fremont car plant.