Ready for a Standoff: Ford Workers in Cologne Prepared for Indefinite Strike
Cologne-based Ford workers prepare to carry out an indefinite work stoppage - Striking automobile manufacturing workers stationed in Cologne are prepared to carry out an extended job action indefinitely
Get ready for some serious labor turmoil at Ford's Cologne location! With a resounding 93.5% of IG Metall members casting their votes in favor of using every collective bargaining tool at their disposal, including strikes, to negotiate a new social tariff agreement, it's clear the employees have had enough.
A staggering 95.7% of union members participating sure shows the worker community is firmly behind this cause.David Luedtke, representative of IG Metall at Ford Cologne, expressed his support for the workers, stating, "Our people in the plant are with us." With a potential strike set to kick off as early as next week, the intensity and duration remain uncertain.
This marked the first ballot for Ford Cologne resulting in a strike, with previous votes concluding in agreements between the union and the employer before any real action was taken. Ford employs approximately 11,500 folks in Cologne, with the majority being union members.
Ford's Electric Vehicle Gamble Not Panning Out Yet
Despite investing a hefty €1.9 billion to adapt its Cologne plant for electric vehicle (EV) production, Ford's German subsidiary is yet to see a return on its investment. Sales of the two EV models produced in Cologne are sluggish, and the business continues to operate at a loss.
In an effort to cut costs, Ford's Cologne management proposes reducing the workforce by 2,900 employees by 2027. However, the existing agreement signed two years ago restricts dismissals for operational reasons until 2032.
In response, Verdi is demanding substantial severance packages for departing employees or those whose roles will be outsourced to external providers, as well as a safety net for remaining employees in case Ford's plants face bankruptcy—a possibility that has become more realistic since the U.S. parent company withdrew its guarantee.
As negotiations for the new social tariff agreement have hit a roadblock, IG Metall has called for a vote, which has resulted in the desired support. Ready to take their stand, IG Metall can now call for strikes, either temporary or indefinite. Ford's spokesperson responded to the ballot, stating they respect the right to strike and will engage in constructive negotiations. However, IG Metall has announced a suspension of negotiations until the employer presents a viable proposal.
- Amidst the ongoing dispute, Ford's employment policy and community policy are at the forefront as IG Metall prepares to implement their employment policy, which includes strikes, to negotiate a new social tariff agreement.
- The industry, finance, transportation, and automotive sectors are closely watching the situation in Cologne, given the potential implications for labor policies in the broader industry, especially as Ford's electric vehicle gamble hasn't yielded the expected results yet.
