Ford in Hot Water: Cologne Workers Ready to Lock Horns Over Demands
Striking Ford workers in Cologne are prepared to carry on indefinitely with their work stoppage - Workers at Ford's Cologne plant are prepared to engage in an open-ended strike
Hey there! The workers at Ford's Cologne plant are getting ready to put up a fight. According to IG Metall, a whopping 93.5% of its members at Ford Cologne voted to use "all union means, including strikes" to enforce their demands for a worker-friendly social collective bargaining agreement. The participating employees made their voices heard, with a turnout rate of 95.7% and a clear majority in favor of industrial action. David Luedtke, IG Metall's spokesperson, mentioned that the workers at the plant are solidly behind the union.
The union is now brainstorming their next move, and strikes could start as soon as next week, though the intensity and duration remain unclear. There have already been warning strikes at the site in March and April. Kerstin Klein, the first chairwoman of IG Metall Cologne-Leverkusen, spoke up, stating that Ford needs to step up and act quickly, or be prepared for a lengthy labor conflict. She mentioned that such a dispute could negatively impact Ford's commercial vehicle business in Europe and tarnish the brand's image.
This would mark the first time that Ford workers in Cologne have initiated a strike after a ballot. In the past, agreements were usually reached between the employer and the union shortly after ballots were held. Ford employs around 11,500 people in the city, with most of them being union members.
Struggling Electric Investments
The German subsidiary of Ford produces two electric car models in Cologne. Unfortunately, the sales of these eco-friendly vehicles have been disappointing, and the significant 2 billion euro investment made by Ford to shift its Cologne plant towards electric production has yet to prove profitable. The German operation remains in the red.
To cut costs, management in Cologne is keen on eliminating 2,900 jobs by 2027. However, they need the approval of the works council, as an existing agreement that forbids dismissals for operational reasons is still valid until 2032.
Verdi, another union, is demanding high severance packages for employees who leave the company, as well as financial protection for remaining employees if Ford's plants go bankrupt. Although this is only a potential scenario at present, it has become possible since the US parent company withdrew its guarantee.
Since negotiations for a social collective bargaining agreement have hit a dead end, IG Metall decided to call for a ballot and received the required support. The union can now call for strikes – either short or prolonged. Ford responded to the ballot by stating that they respect the right to strike and continue to seek constructive negotiations.
However, IG Metall announced that they will suspend negotiations until the employer presents a worthy proposal.
Back to you! Keep your eyes on the news for updates on the labor conflict at Ford in Cologne. Remember – no company likes a union with teeth! 😉💥
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The current situation at Ford in Cologne involves IG Metall workers voting in favor of industrial action to enforce their demands for a social collective agreement. The specific demands of the workers remain unclear, but they often include better working conditions, job security, and fair compensation.
In the context of Ford Cologne, these demands might be particularly relevant due to the planned job cuts and the transition to electric vehicles. This transition requires significant investment and workforce adjustments, and disruptions in production could impact Ford's ability to meet demand for electric vehicles in Europe.
The decision by IG Metall members to take industrial action could lead to strikes or work stoppages, further impacting production and supply chains. Ford's commercial vehicle business could suffer due to disruptions in production, resulting in delays in the delivery of commercial vehicles and potentially damaging the brand's image in Europe.
The potential for strikes or other industrial actions could complicate the training and deployment of workers necessary for electric vehicle production, delaying Ford's transition goals. The planned elimination of 2,900 positions in Cologne by Ford could lead to significant unrest among workers, potentially affecting production levels and quality.
- The union, IG Metall, is planning for strikes at Ford's Cologne plant, as 93.5% of its members have voted in favor of industrial action to enforce a worker-friendly social collective bargaining agreement.
- The workers at Ford Cologne, backed by IG Metall, are demanding a resolution to their concerns regarding employment, potentially including better working conditions, job security, and fair compensation.
- Strikes at Ford Cologne could negatively impact the company's commercial vehicle business in Europe, potentially delaying delivery schedules and tarnishing the brand's image.
- IG Metall has recently made significant demands, including financial protection for employees if Ford's plants go bankrupt, and high severance packages for employees who leave the company due to job cuts.
- The job cuts planned by Ford, totaling 2,900 positions by 2027, could lead to unrest among workers, further complicating efforts to transition the Cologne plant towards electric vehicle production.
