Technology Today

Image copyrightAFPElectric car-maker Tesla will reduce staff pay and put non-essential workers on furlough while production of its vehicles is stopped due to coronavirus.Work at its factory in Fremont, California halted on 23 March.In a letter to staff, the company said it hoped to resume operations on 4 May, "barring any significant changes".Most remaining workers will face a pay cut of 10%, while director pay will be cut by 20% and vice-presidents and above will lose 30% of their salary.The letter was shared with business news site CNBC.Furloughing is designed to support firms that have been badly hit by coronavirus, and to prevent mass unemployment.
Taxpayers' money will help temporarily pay the wages of people who can't do their jobs, to help companies retain them."As usual, for those who are on site, if you are sick or are uncomfortable coming to work, please contact your manager and stay at home.
We respect your decision and you will not be penalised," said Tesla's Valerie Capers Workman in the letter.The pay cut is expected to last until the end of June.Production at Tesla's solar panel facility in New York state has also halted.However, several of the company's engineers have been working on developing a ventilator using car parts to help those who fall ill with Covid-19.On Monday, Tesla shared a video of a prototype on YouTube.Ford and General Motors have also offered to produce ventilators and other hospital supplies.Furloughed staff will remain contracted to Tesla but will not be paid until 4 May, should the factories reopen at that time."For the vast majority of furloughed employees, unemployment benefits will be roughly equivalent to normal take-home pay," Ms Capers Workman said in her letter.Last week, Tesla told staffing agencies that contract work would be suspended until further notice, and hundreds of temporary workers were dismissed.Tesla's facility in California is the company's only car-making facility in the US, and employs more than 10,000 people.When it closed in March, chief executive Elon Musk told staff: "I will personally be at work, but that's just me.
Totally OK if you want to stay home for any reason."The company originally planned to "comfortably exceed" 500,000 vehicle deliveries in 2020 and has not changed its guidance for investors.





Unlimited Portal Access + Monthly Magazine - 12 issues


Contribute US to Start Broadcasting - It's Voluntary!


ADVERTISE


Merchandise (Peace Series)

 


Sky TV block as brand-new crackdown interrupts UK homes from viewing content totally free


Sky's biggest-ever conserving on Gigafast broadband cuts £& pound; 96 off the ultimate upgrade


Google is fixing a major issue with your Gmail inbox, and free upgrade is coming soon


Top Tech: 5 Amazon-rivalling deals from Apple, Samsung, Shark and more


Amazon Prime Day: Favourite tech gizmos and home appliances we actually use and love


Consumers can get an Echo Pop speaker for less than ₤ 6 if they do one easy thing


Sky is dispensing a huge upgrade, however just if your postcode is on this list


Amazon slashes ₤ 450 off Shark self-emptying robotic vacuum in mega Prime Day offer


Newest Kindle hits lowest ever cost in Amazon Prime Day deal with over ₤ 100 off


Samsung unveils new Galaxy, and it makes your current Android phone appearance extremely inferior


Simply hours remain on Virgin Media's complimentary 4K TV deal - act quickly


Everyone with an Android phone placed on red alert as massive new threat validated


The 'finest' smart device of 2025 confirmed - has the iPhone or Android come out on top


Amazon's best Apple deals for Prime Day consisting of iPhone, iPad and AirPods


Tech professional warns 'never state yes' to 3 questions from callers you don't recognise


Millions of Brits 'forced to function as online security guards' for elderly family members


Leading Tech: Virgin Media's totally free television giveaway ends quickly as 48-hour countdown begins


All Amazon Prime users put on high alert - you need to follow 4 new rules today


Amazon gives you 3 reasons to ditch your Fire TV Stick and try something new this week


Apple fans rush for 22% off AirPods Pro 2 as Amazon Prime Day kicks off


Paramount+ drops to £3.99 in half price sale ending this week


Amazon is handing out free Echo speakers this week and here's how to get yours


AI is the 'best organization partner' says youngest self-made female billionaire


Everyone using Amazon issued with an urgent 'don't click' warning this week


Sky is dishing out free TV channel upgrades, and here's how to watch it


Apple fans rushing for ₤ 35 iPhone 16 Pro Max as Sky uses payday deal


'I visited Chinese city which is like sci-fi movie with robots and noiseless trains'


Top Tech: Amazon's best early Prime Day deals including Ring, Tefal and Nespresso


Brits now 'obsessed' with health tracking and say it's key to motivation