Ford Cologne: Workers Gear Up for Potential Indefinite Strike
Employees at Ford's Cologne facility are prepared to launch an indefinite work stoppage. - Workers at Ford's Cologne plant are prepared to launch an open-ended stoppage
Get ready for a turf war at Ford's Cologne plant, Germany! IG Metall union members have voiced their disapproval loud and clear, voting overwhelmingly in favor of using all union tactics, including strikes, to push for fair labor regulations. With a whopping 93.5% approval, and a turnout of 95.7%, it's clear that the workers are not backing down.
"The worker bees are on our side," says David Lüdtke, IG Metall spokesperson at Ford Cologne. With this resounding vote, the union is now mulling over their next move, and strikes could kick off as early as next week, although the extent remains uncertain. Warning strikes were already held at the site in March and April, but this time around, the strikes will pack a bigger punch.
"We're here to carry out our colleagues' mandate," says Kerstin Klein, first chairwoman of IG Metall Cologne-Leverkusen, post-vote. "Ford needs to shape up - unless we follow through." Klein warns that a protracted labor dispute could hamper Ford's European commercial vehicle business and tarnish its image.
This could mark the first time that strikes are initiated at Ford Cologne after a ballot. Ford employs around 11,500 workers in the city, most of whom are unionized.
Stuck in the Red: Electrification Investments Not Paying Off
Ford's Cologne subsidiary churns out two electric car models, but sales are lackluster. The €1.9 billion investment to convert the plant to electric vehicles hasn't exactly been a cash cow, and the German branch remains in the red.
In a bid to cut costs, management wants to slash 2,900 jobs by the end of 2027. However, they need works council approval, as a 2020 agreement prohibits layoffs due to operational reasons until 2032.
Verdi is demanding hefty severance packages for departing employees and financial protection for the ones remaining if Ford's plants go belly-up. While this is currently hypothetical, it's becoming a real possibility after Ford's parent company withdrew its guarantee.
Negotiations for a new labor agreement have ground to a standstill, leading IG Metall to call for a vote. The union now holds the power to call for strikes, either temporary or indefinite. A Ford spokesperson asserts that the company respects the right to strike but continues to seek constructive negotiations. However, IG Metall has announced that talks are on hold until the employer presents a feasible offer.
Enrichment Insights:
- Ford plans to eliminate 2,900 positions in Germany over the next three years, representing a 25% workforce reduction[1].
- The works council is keeping tabs on discussions regarding potential partial plant sales, expressing concerns over changed working conditions if employees are transferred to new companies[1].
- Although there are no recent mentions of specific strike actions at Ford's Cologne plant, unions like IG Metall often organize protests and solidarity days to address labor issues, which could escalate into formal industrial actions if conditions shift[3].
- The potential for an indefinite strike at Ford's Cologne plant has heightened, following a 93.5% approval by IG Metall union members for implementing union tactics, including strikes, to advocate for fair labor regulations.
- Ford's spokesperson at Cologne, David Lüdtke, notes that union members are unanimously backing the call to action, with a 95.7% turnout in the vote.
- Kerstin Klein, first chairwoman of IG Metall Cologne-Leverkusen, warned that strikes, estimated to start as early as next week, could negatively impact Ford's European commercial vehicle business and damage its reputation.
- The sales of electric car models produced at Ford's Cologne subsidiary have been disappointing, as a €1.9 billion investment to convert the plant to electric vehicles hasn't resulted in substantial profits.
- Despite management's plans to trim 2,900 jobs by 2027, they need works council approval, which is currently delayed due to a 2020 agreement restricting layoffs until 2032.
