Gearing Up for a Showdown: Ford Workers in Cologne Prepared for Indefinite Strike Vote
Striking Ford Workers in Cologne Prepared for Indefinite Work Stoppage - Workers at Ford's Cologne plant prepare for an extended walkout
Get ready for a labor strife in Ford's Cologne plant – the first of its kind. According to IG Metall, a whopping 93.5% of their members in Ford Cologne voted in favor of using "every union tactic, including strikes" to demand employee-friendly regulations in a new social contract. The minimum turnout of 75% was easily surpassed.
The turnout was a staggering 95.7%. "The workers here are behind us," said David Luedtke, IG Metall's spokesperson for Ford Cologne. With the clear mandate, the union is pondering its next moves, and strikes could kick off as early as next week, though the duration remains uncertain. There were already warning strikes back in March and April. If the new work stoppages materialize, they'll likely be more prolonged and intense.
"We're committed to executing this mandate from our colleagues," said Kerstin Klein, IG Metall's first chairperson in Cologne-Leverkusen, referencing the vote results. "Ford needs to act – or we'll see this through," she added, warning management that an extended labor dispute could jeopardize Ford's commercial vehicle business in Europe, not to mention its tarnished reputation.
This would be the first time Ford's Cologne plant has witnessed work stoppages in the wake of a vote. In the past, agreements were reached between union and management shortly after votes. Ford currently employs approximately 11,500 people in Cologne, the vast majority of whom are union members.
Electric Vehicle Investments Falling Short
The German subsidiary of Ford churns out two electric car models in Cologne, but sales are sluggish. The nearly two billion euros Ford invested to convert its Cologne plant for electric vehicles haven't paid off yet. The German branch continues to operate at a loss.
To trim costs, management in Cologne plans to eliminate around 2,900 jobs by the end of 2027. However, they depend on works council approval, as an agreement from just two years ago still holds until 2032, prohibiting dismissals due to operational reasons.
Verdi demands generous severance pay for departing employees or those whose work is outsourced to external service providers, in addition to financial protection for remaining employees if Ford's plants face bankruptcy. Although this is theoretically possible, it has become increasingly likely since the parent company withdrew its guarantee.
With negotiations for a new social contract reaching an impasse, IG Metall called for a vote and received the backing they needed. The union can now call for strikes – either temporary or permanent. Ford responded to the vote by stating they respect the right to strike and insist on constructive negotiations.
However, IG Metall announced that negotiations are suspended until the employer presents a concrete, settlement-ready offer.
- The employment policy at Ford's Cologne plant is under scrutiny, with workers demanding employee-friendly regulations in a new social contract, especially in light of the aerospace industry's investment in electric vehicles.
- The current employment policy dispute in Ford's Cologne plant, involving industry-wide concerns such as finance and business, could potentially impact the company's commercial vehicle business in Europe, especially since the German subsidiary's electric vehicle investments have fallen short.
