Sep 2, 2020 - Economy & Business

Ford to cut 1,400 white-collar jobs in North America with voluntary buyouts

Ford headquarters. Photo: Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

Ford said Wednesday that it would cut 1,400 salaried positions in North America through voluntary buyouts, the latest move in a multiyear restructuring effort.

Why it matters: The automaker, which is in the midst of a CEO transition, has been trying to right-size its business and boost profitability by focusing on core products like the F-150 pickup and growth opportunities like electric vehicles, software and fleet management services.

What they're saying: In an email to staffers, Kumar Galhotra, Ford's president for the Americas and international markets group, said the company had "reprioritized certain products and services" and would adjust staffing in its North America and Ford Credit divisions. Those deemed to have "critical skills" would not be eligible.

  • "Our hope is to reach fitness targets with the voluntary incentive program. If that doesn’t happen, involuntary separations may be required," Galhotra said.

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Joann Muller, author of Navigate
Sep 2, 2020 - Economy & Business

United Airlines halves planned layoffs to 16,370

Photo: John Nacion/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

United Airlines said Wednesday it expects to cut 16,370 jobs on Oct. 1, far fewer than the 36,000 it warned of two months ago, as suspense builds over whether Congress will extend relief for the struggling airline industry.

Between the lines: United was able to limit the layoffs by cutting costs, raising debt and encouraging tens of thousands of employees to participate in a variety of voluntary leave, early retirement and reduced hours programs.

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Axios
Updated 51 mins ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

  1. Politics: Ex-FDA chief: Pence campaigning after COVID exposure puts others at risk — Mark Meadows: "We are not going to control the pandemic"
  2. Health: 13 states set single-day coronavirus case records last week — U.S. reports over 80,000 new cases for second consecutive day.
  3. World: Australian city Melbourne to exit one of world's longest lockdowns — In photos: Coronavirus restrictions grow across Europe
  4. Media: Fox News president and several hosts advised to quarantine after possible COVID-19 exposure
  5. Nonprofit: Rockefeller Foundation commits $1 billion for COVID-19 recovery
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Rebecca Falconer
Updated 55 mins ago - World

In photos: Coronavirus restrictions grow across Europe

A skeleton is placed at a restaurant table in Rome to protest Italy's restrictions that'll see gyms, movie theaters and pools close and bars and restaurants required to shut by 6 p.m. until at least Nov. 24. Photo: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images

Restrictions are returning across much of Europe as the continent faces a second coronavirus wave.

The big picture: Spain and France each surpassed 1 million cases last week, and both countries have implemented further restrictions on citizens. Italian officials announced strict new measures, effective Monday, to combat another cases spike. From Denmark to Romania, take a look at what steps countries have been taking, in photos.

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