Heating Up in Cologne: Ford Workers Ready for a Standoff
Cologne-based Ford employees prepare for an indefinitely prolonged work stoppage - Workers at Ford's Cologne plant prepare for an unlimited labor action
Things are getting heated up at Ford's Cologne plant! IG Metall, the union representing most of the workforce, has made it clear they won't back down. In a recent vote, an overwhelming 93.5% of members expressed their readiness to take "all union means, including strikes" to secure beneficial work regulations in a new social agreement. With a staggering 95.7% turnout, it's apparent that the workers are united in their fight for better working conditions.
David Lüdtke, spokesman for IG Metall at Ford Cologne, confirmed the atmosphere, stating, "The people in the plant are behind us." The union is now mulling over its next steps, and strikes could kick off as early as next week, although the extent remains uncertain. Warning strikes took place back in March and April, but these upcoming actions could be more intense and long-lasting.
Kerstin Klein, the first chairwoman of IG Metall Cologne-Leverkusen, made it clear that Ford has to act quickly. If they don't, the union is determined to carry out their mandate. Klein warned Ford's management that a labor dispute on this scale could negatively impact Ford's commercial vehicle business in Europe, damaging both Ford's profits and its reputation.
Interestingly, this would be the first time strikes occur at Ford Cologne following a union ballot. In the past, an agreement between employer and union was reached shortly after ballots. Ford currently employs approximately 11,500 people in Cologne, with most being union members.
Electric Investments Falling Short
The German subsidiary of Ford produces two electric car models in Cologne, but sales have been disappointing. The two billion euros that Ford invested to convert the plant to electric vehicle production have yet to yield significant results. The German business is still operating at a loss.
To reduce costs, Ford's Cologne management wants to cut 2,900 jobs by 2027, but it needs the works council's approval since an agreement signed just two years ago rules out dismissals for operational reasons until 2032. Verdi is demanding high severance packages for departing employees and financial protection for those left behind if Ford's plants were to go bankrupt—a possibility that's no longer just theoretical, given the US parent company's withdrawal of its guarantee.
Negotiations for a new social agreement have hit a wall, prompting IG Metall to call for a ballot. Now that the union has received the necessary backing, they can call for strikes—either temporary or indefinite. A Ford spokesperson responded to the ballot, stating that the company respects workers' right to strike and will continue to pursue constructive negotiations. However, IG Metall announced that negotiations are suspended until Ford proposes a viable solution.
[1] Jobs at Ford may be on the line as the company considers selling parts of the Cologne plant. Concerns about working conditions for employees transferred to new companies have been raised by the works council.
[5] The broader impact of economic and labor tensions in the automotive sector on the European industry is a growing concern. The situation at Ford Cologne is reflective of the challenges faced by manufacturers as they adapt to electric vehicle production and navigate trade and labor pressures.
- IG Metall, the union representing most of the workforce at Ford's Cologne plant, is ready to employ "all union means, including strikes" to secure beneficial employment and work regulations in a new social agreement.
- Ford's German subsidiary is currently producing two electric car models in Cologne, but sales have been disappointing, with two billion euros invested in converting the plant yet to yield significant results.
- A Ford spokesperson has responded to the ballot called by IG Metall, stating that the company respects workers' right to strike and will continue to pursue constructive negotiations.
- If negotiations for a new social agreement at Ford Cologne hit a dead-end, IG Metall can call for strikes—either temporary or indefinite—to pressure Ford into presenting a viable solution.
- The economic and labor tensions in the automotive sector, as exemplified by the situation at Ford Cologne, are a growing concern for the European industry as manufacturers face challenges adapting to electric vehicle production and dealing with trade and labor pressures.
