Opel workers to strike over GM job cuts
Opel workers in Germany set to strike over GM decision on European operations
Also In The News
|
The FTSE 100 was lifted by commodity and retail stocks in early trading on Wednesday. |  |
Thursday, 05, Nov 2009 10:54
Opel workers in Germany are threatening to go on strike after General Motors (GM) decided to abandon the sale of its European operations.
As many as 25,000 workers at four factories across Germany are set to protest over the decision, which if agreed would have seen the sale of Vauxhall and Opel to Magna International and Sberbank.
The move would have secured jobs in Germany, which workers now fear will be lost. Some 10,000 jobs are planned to be cut as part of the restructuring of operations, and workers are now concerned there could be more to come. The company has so far given no details about where the planned cuts will be.
Vauxhall employs around 5,500 staff in Ellesmere Port and Luton. Tony Woodley, joint secretary of the Unite union said: "Inevitably some will go in the UK, but our task is to minimise the number of jobs lost and ensure that those who do go, go voluntarily.
"It is right that GM should hold onto its UK plants because this country is one of its strongest and most loyal customers."
A statement from Opel read: "The GM board of director's decision shows that Opel and Vauxhall have an important role in GM's global strategy, a role that GM is eager to maintain.
"Following difficult and lengthy negotiations between many parties with different interests, it is now clear that Opel / Vauxhall will continue to play a strategic role within GM. In the interest of all Opel / Vauxhall employees and the continuation of the Opel / Vauxhall business which in recent months has delivered many sales and product successes, a clarification of any open question is of particular importance.
"In the interest of Opel / Vauxhall, all parties will work to safeguard a successful future for the two brands."