Breaking: First Ever Strike Hits Cologne's Ford Plants - Here's Why! 🚗📲🚧
Strike initiated by employees at Ford's Cologne manufacturing facility for the initial time
After nearly a century, it's a new era for Ford's Cologne plants. Tuesday morning marks the commencement of the first-ever strike, set to last until Thursday, protesting proposed job cuts totaling 2,900 by 2027. The IG Metall union called for the strike, claiming the management's plans threaten the future of Ford Germany subsidiary. They're pushing for a social tariff agreement with high severance packages and financial security for employees.
Overwhelming Support Among Workers 💼
In a recent strike vote, 93.5% of IG Metall members supported the action. Negotiations already saw warning strikes in March and April, but they stalled afterward. Chairman of the Ford Germany works council, Benjamin Gruschka, said it's time for management to find a solution that works for the workforce in Cologne.
While the influence of the German management is limited due to dependence on the U.S. parent company, the 'Cologne9to5' (UNIQUE_HASH) movement is gaining traction among employees. Despite temporary periods of short-time work ending in May, widespread dissatisfaction continues within the workforce.
Tough Times Ahead for Ford Europe
- The employment policy under discussion in Cologne's Ford plants involves proposed job cuts totaling 2,900 by 2027, sparking a strike that aligns with various industry sectors' community policies.
- The ongoing dispute places the manufacturing industry, finance, aerospace, transportation, automotive, sports, sports-betting, and business sectors on alert as Ford Germany's future is at stake.
- With careers at risk, IG Metall union members are determined to secure a social tariff agreement, ensuring high severance packages and financial security for their workforce in the face of job losses.
- The Cologne9to5 (UNIQUE_HASH) movement and its members are adding to the pressure, advocating for a more employee-friendly employment policy within the Ford Europe division.
- Given the overwhelming support among workers, tough times may lie ahead for Ford Europe, potentially affecting its operations across multiple industries.
