Ford Workers in Cologne Launch Indefinite Strike Over Job Cuts
Workers at Ford's Cologne plant walk out, joining thousands in protest - Workers at the Ford plant in Cologne have launched a strike, involving thousands of employees.
Ford, the struggling American automaker, has announced plans to cut 4,000 jobs in Europe by 2027, with a significant impact on its plants in Cologne. The workers, represented by the union IG Metall, have responded with an indefinite strike following a high-participation vote.
David Lüdtke, one of the striking workers, reported workers had occupied the gates since the early hours of the morning. Around 11,500 employees work at the Cologne site in production, development, and spare parts. Despite attempts to reach the premises, many employees were persuaded by their colleagues to join the strike action.
Lüdtke added that only a handful of employees, responsible for maintaining essential facilities, still had access to the site. This number, however, is not even in the triple digits.
The vote for the strike saw 93.5% of participants voting in favor, with a 95.7% participation rate. This is the first time a strike has taken place at the Cologne site, despite previous warning strikes. These earlier actions did not, however, provide strike pay for employees.
In an unexpected move, Ford canceled a patronage declaration that had been in effect since 2006, with the potential to file for bankruptcy in the coming years, according to the works council chairman of the Ford plants, Benjamin Gruschka.
The Left party's head, Ines Schwerdtner, criticized Ford's management for sleeping through the transformation and hesitating to switch to electric mobility. Schwerdtner argued that the company had missed the opportunity to establish future-proof production.
Negotiations between IG Metall and Ford management continue, with the employer side presenting new solution proposals to the union on Tuesday. Although the specifics of these proposals are yet to be revealed, Kerstin Klein, first authorized representative of IG Metall Cologne-Leverkusen, expressed the union's willingness to consider them and potentially continue negotiations this week.
The strike, initially planned as a 24-hour action, could be extended indefinitely based on the outcome of these negotiations.
- Cologne
- Ford Motor
- Strike
- David Lüdtke
- Strike call
- IG Metall
- Germany
- Ford
- AFP
- Cost-cutting measures
- Europe
- Bankruptcy
Latest Developments- The strike, launched by Ford workers at the Cologne plant in Germany, has started as a 24-hour action but could be extended further based on negotiations with management.- The vote in favor of the strike showed a high level of participation, with 93.5% voting in favor and 95.7% turnout. This is the first time a strike has taken place at the Cologne site following a vote.- The primary reason for the strike is the proposed job cuts by Ford, which plans to reduce its European workforce by around 4,000 jobs by 2027.
Proposed Solutions- IG Metall is negotiating with Ford management to secure better terms for workers, using the strike as leverage to secure a "social contract" ensuring job cuts are carried out smoothly rather than preventing them altogether.- Ford cites significant losses and a highly disruptive market due to slower-than-expected demand for electric vehicles and increased competition from Chinese EV makers like BYD.- Ford's German operations face financial challenges, with debts of approximately €5 billion. To address this, Ford invested €4.4 billion in March to support its operations.
Future OutlookThe strike's outcome depends on negotiations between IG Metall and Ford management, with the union seeking an acceptable offer to conclude the strike while Ford aims to address its financial challenges in a competitive EV market.
- The indefinite strike by Ford workers in Cologne, initially planned as a 24-hour action, may continue based on the outcome of negotiations with the management, as the workers seek improved terms through the strike, aiming for a "social contract" that ensures a smooth execution of the proposed job cuts rather than preventing them altogether.
- Amidst the Ford workers' strike in Cologne, Germany, the discussions revolve around generating aid for the restructuring of the automotive industry, specifically for Ford, as the company grapples with financial challenges, totaling approximately €5 billion in debts, and a competitive electric vehicle market, with sluggish demand and increased competition from Chinese EV manufacturers like BYD.
