The Kia Motors Slovakia automobile plant in Žilina is set to shut down production for two weeks beginning March 23 due to the novel coronavirus crisis. “The measure applies to all employees except for those whose presence is crucial,” said the company’s spokesman. Employees are to receive 60 percent of their usual salary, though it’s less than the 100 percent compensation union leaders were demanding. The company’s president Ján Žgravčák called on employees for patience and promised to renew production as soon as the situation stabilized. “I understand that the situation isn’t easy for you and we’ll do everything possible so that in the coming period you’ll feel the difficulties connected with not receiving a full income as little as possible,” he said.
