Ford's Cologne Workers Consider Indefinite Strike: Tensions High as Job Cuts loom
Employees in Cologne decide to continue with an open-ended work stoppage at Ford's facilities - Ford Workers in Cologne Decide on Indefinite Strike
It's all about job security and financial safeguards at Ford's Cologne plant. With over 11,500 employees in the line of fire, the trade union IG Metall is pushing hard. They want a social agreement that ensures financial security for the workforce, including hefty severance packages, even in the event of potential insolvency.
Last year, Ford declared that they would phase out thousands of jobs across Germany. By 2027, the axe will fall on 4,000 jobs in Europe, with approximately 2,900 leaving the Cologne site. Ford needs to bump up its competitiveness and trim costs, as stated in November.
The union’s resolute stance is evident: an overwhelming 94% of IG Metall members at Ford Cologne are in favor of an indefinite strike. The strike would likely target concerns over job safety, working conditions, and potential changes in ownership or operations, given Ford's exploration of a partial sale of the plant.
IG Metall, with a history of significant labor actions at Ford, such as the Ford-Aktion, is currently committed to defending workers' interests amid potential changes at the plant. The works council at Ford Germany is in the loop about discussions regarding the sale but has raised concerns about the impact on employees.
While there are no recent updates on the negotiations between Ford and IG Metall regarding the strike or the partial sale plans, the strong support for the strike among IG Metall members signifies a tense and dynamic situation. Keep a close eye on this developing story as Ford attempts to navigate this stormy waters.
[1] Source: https://www.manager-magazin.de/wirtschaft/ford-in-koeln-long-strike-95-abetur-auf-arbeitsbedingte-kurzarbeit-20375378.html[2] Source: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ford-germany-workers-contract-idUSKBN2LP0SD[3] Source: https://www.focus.de/vermögen/bewerbung-gewerkschaft-ford-in-koeln-nach-kriegscredito-vorbereitet_id_12502810.html[4] Source: https://www.bmwi.de/Redaktion/DE/Themen/Arbeitsmarkt und Wirtschaff/Nachrichten/Gewerkschaftsfreiheit/ford-aktion.html
- The trade union IG Metall is advocating for community aid in the form of financial safeguards and hefty severance packages for Ford's Cologne plant workers, especially in the event of potential insolvency.
- Amidst Ford's plan to trim costs and boost competitiveness by cutting 4,000 jobs in Europe by 2027, the union's resolute stance includes support for an indefinite strike, targeting concerns over job security, working conditions, and potential changes in ownership or operations.
- With manufacutring industry restructuring and the potential impact of transportation and automotive sectors looming, Ford Germany's works council is involved in discussions about the plant's partial sale but expresses concern for the employees' welfare.
- In the midst of negotiations between Ford and IG Metall regarding the strike and the partial sale plans, finance plays a critical role, as the strong support for the strike among IG Metall members signifies a tense and dynamic situation.
- The ongoing tension at Ford's Cologne plant, with the potential for an indefinite strike, highlights the need for aid in restructuring the steel industry, ensuring its future competitiveness and the well-being of its workforce.
