Thousands of Ford Employees in Cologne Strike Back Against Job Cuts
Striking Ford employees in Cologne number in the thousands - Workers at Ford's Cologne facility engage in a work stoppage, involving a significant number of participants.
Ford's decision to cut thousands of jobs in Germany as part of its cost-saving efforts has stirred up a fury among its employees in Cologne. David Luedtke, a union representative, confirmed that the gates at the plants have been occupied by pickets since the early morning hours.
The Cologne plants, which employ 11,500 workers in production, development, and spare parts, are particularly affected by these looming job cuts. Although some employees tried to make it to work during the tumultuous times, Luedtke and his colleagues tried to dissuade them.
Meanwhile, a handful of employees who work on night shifts still have access to the site to keep critical facilities running, a number that doesn't even surpass triple digits.
The union's vote on the strike highly favored the cause, with a staggering 93.5% in support and a 95.7% participation rate. This is the first time a strike has taken place at the Cologne location following a vote, surpassing previous warning strikes.
In March of this year, Ford's American parent company announced the cancellation of a patronal declaration that had been in effect since 2006. This move gave Ford the freedom to potentially file for bankruptcy in the near future, sparking concerns from union representatives like Benjamin Gruschka, who warned of a "short-term bankruptcy."
In response to the situation, the Left party's head, Ines Schwerdtner, lambasted Ford's management for being slow to act on the electric vehicle revolution. She claimed Ford hesitated and sat on its hands instead of transitioning to electric mobility and future-proof production in time.
Negotiations between the union and the company are still ongoing, with the employer side presenting new solution proposals to the IG Metall on Tuesday. The union will weigh these proposals to determine if negotiations can be continued this week.
The strike in the Niehl and Merkenich plants is set to end early on Thursday morning.
As Ford battles tariffs and cost-cutting measures, this strike in Cologne serves as a vocal reminder of the human impact of these corporate decisions.
- Cologne
- Ford Motor
- Strike
- David Luedtke
- IG Metall
- Germany
- Ford
- Tariffs
- Cost-cutting measures
Insights:
- Ford is actively working to mitigate the impact of tariffs on its operations, lowering tariff expenses by nearly 35% in the first quarter[1][2].
- Ford struggled with the financial implications of tariffs, suspending its financial guidance for 2025 due to uncertainties. The company estimated a gross profit and net profit loss of $2.5 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively[1][3][4].
- Ford boosted its sales ahead of potential price hikes by offering employee pricing on its vehicles[2].
[1] https://www.autonews.com/international-report/ford-to-keep-focus-on-suspension-systems-instead-of-engines-electrification-models[2] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/exclusive-ford-to-slash-north-american-production-targets-alter-key-due-to-tariffs-2019-10-30/[3] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ford-results-idUSKBN1XZ3UB[4] https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/autorePORTS-the-fast-lane/2019/10/29/ford-north-american-production-targets-tariffs/4110505002/
- The strike by Ford employees in Cologne, Germany, led by union representative David Luedtke, is a response to Ford's decision to cut thousands of jobs as part of its cost-cutting measures.
- The IG Metall union is currently negotiating with Ford for new solution proposals, presented by the company on Tuesday, to determine if negotiations can continue this week.
- This strike, which is the first of its kind at the Cologne location following a vote, comes amid Ford's struggles with financial implications of tariffs, as the company suspended its financial guidance for 2025 due to uncertainties.
