Media Relations Office

COVID-19 presents challenges not only to public health but also to the way our societies function. Social distancing, remote work and businesses closures are changing the way we communicate with each other and posing important questions about how to protect under served populations and overall mental health. 

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Experts at Cornell University are available to discuss the coronavirus in terms of its many impacts on economic productivity, inequalities as well as specific disruptions to various industries. 

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Tesla has backtracked on a plan to have some workers to return to work before San Francisco Bay area stay-at-home orders are scheduled to expire. The company, expected to report quarterly earnings on Wednesday, said production at its Fremont, California plant will not resume this week. Arthur Wheaton says management is trying to save the company from bankruptcy, but opting for an early opening would be risky and possibly illegal.

Economics and Business

Industrial and Labor Relations

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After prolonged negotiations and a monthlong strike General Motors (GM) reached a preliminary agreement with the United Auto Workers (UAW) on Wednesday about contracts. Arthur Wheaton, an expert of the automotive industry at Cornell University’s ILR School, says that after it’s ratified, the deal will likely affect negotiations at the other two carmaker giants, Ford and Fiat Chrysler. 

Economics and Business

Industrial and Labor Relations

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Art Wheaton, professor of labor at Cornell University and an expert on the automotive sector, says the strike will not just affect General Motors but will also impact Ford and Fiat Chrysler.

Economics and Business

Business, Economics & Entrepreneurship

Labor Relations & Human Resources

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Arthur Wheaton, director of Western NY Labor and Environmental Programs for the Worker Institute at Cornell University, comments on Walmart's announcement that it will add thousands of robots to its stores.

Industrial and Labor Relations

Physical Sciences & Engineering

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Art Wheaton, auto industry expert and director of the Western NY Labor and Environmental Programs at the Worker Institute, says BMW’s absence from the auto show in New York City is indicative of a major shift in the industry.

Economics and Business

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On Wednesday, Ford, GM and Toyota announced a new partnership to collaborate on safety standards for self-driving cars. The companies formed a consortium that will work with industry and government to expedite regulations on autonomous vehicles. Arthur Wheaton is an expert on the auto industry and director of Western NY Labor and Environmental Programs for the Worker Institute at Cornell University. He says that in an industry especially averse to uncertainty, working together to cut costs makes complete sense.

Economics and Business

Industrial and Labor Relations

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On Monday, Japanese carmaker Nissan announced that it was firing its chairman, Carlos Ghosn after authorities had arrested him for alleged financial misconduct. Ghosn is accused of having under-reported over $44 million in pay and of having diverted company funds for personal use. Arthur Wheaton, a car industry expert at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, says that Ghosn’s case is an – unsurprising – example of corporate greed.

Economics and Business

Business, Economics & Entrepreneurship

International Reach

Industrial and Labor Relations

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Arthur Wheaton, professor of labor at Cornell University and an expert on the automotive sector, comments on the advantages of 3D printing for car manufacturers.

Energy, Environment & Sustainability

Industrial and Labor Relations

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