Gear Up for a Long Haul: Cologne Workers Ready to Lock Horns with Ford
Workers at Ford's Cologne factory are prepared to engage in an open-ended work stoppage - Striking Ford Workers in Cologne Prepare for Indefinite Job Action
In a major turn of events, Ford is bracing for an intensifying labor altercation in Cologne, as a whopping 93.5% of IG Metall workers cast their votes in favor of using every union tool, including prolonged strikes, to enforce worker-friendly clauses in the upcoming social contract agreement. The essential approval threshold of 75% was surpassed, with a staggering 95.7% attendance. "The staff at the establishment stands united behind us," affirmed David Luedtke, spokesperson for IG Metall at Ford Cologne. With strikes looming as early as next week, the union is contemplating their subsequent moves, although the intensity and duration remain uncertain. Previous warning strikes took place in March and April, but the upcoming demonstrations are expected to be more persistent and forceful.
"We are resolute in executing this mandate from our coworkers," mentioned Kerstin Klein, first chairwoman of IG Metall Cologne-Leverkusen, concerning the ballot results. "Ford must step up to the plate - otherwise, we will make good on our threats." In her warning, Klein suggested that a protracted labor impasse could likewise jeopardize Ford's commercial vehicle business in Europe, "not to forget the detrimental effect on Ford's brand image."
This would presumably be the first instance of Ford in Cologne initiating strikes following a ballot, as in prior ballots, agreements were reached between the employer and union. Ford maintains approximately 11,500 employees in the city, the majority of whom are union members.
No Profitable Returns for Electric Investments Yet
Ford's German subsidiary manufactures two electric automobile models in Cologne, but sales have yet to yield significant returns on the nearly €2 billion investment aimed at equipping the plant for electric vehicles. To reduce expenses, Cologne management seeks to trim 2,900 jobs by 2027, but the works council's approval is necessary, as a previously signed contract lasting until 2032 bars layoffs for operational reasons.
Verdi insists on substantial severance packages for departing employees or those whose divisions are outsourced to external service providers, as well as financial safeguards for remaining employees if Ford's plants file for bankruptcy. Though unforeseen at present, such an event has become more plausible following the parent company's withdrawal of its financial backing.
With negotiations for a new social contract stalled, IG Metall initiated a ballot and secured the required support. The union now has the authority to declare strikes, either temporary or indefinite. A Ford representative responded to the ballot by affirming respect for the right to strike and emphasizing the ongoing pursuit of constructive negotiations. However, IG Metall stated that negotiations would remain suspended until the employer proposes a viable alternative.
Historically, labor struggles like the Ford-Aktion by IG Metall (1960-1966) underscore the persistent significance of labor relations at Ford's German operations. In the current European commercial vehicle market, the ongoing labor dispute represents a considerable operational and strategic challenge for Ford. The repercussions could extend to supply chain disruptions, reduced market share, and a drop in consumer confidence, potentially affecting Ford's brand reputation.
- David Luedtke, spokesperson for IG Metall at Ford Cologne, confirmed the unity of the workforce with an affirmation.
- With the approval of 93.5% of IG Metall workers, the union has the authority to enforce worker-friendly clauses using prolonged strikes.
- Ford's commercial vehicle business in Europe may be jeopardized by a prolonged labor impasse, according to Kerstin Klein, first chairwoman of IG Metall Cologne-Leverkusen.
- The near €2 billion investment in electric vehicle manufacturing in Cologne has yet to yield significant returns, according to the text.
- Negotiations between IG Metall and Ford for a new social contract have stalled, and the union has initiated a ballot to secure the required support for strikes.
