Ford Workers in Cologne Initiate Warning Strikes Amid Job Security Issues
IG Metall union calls for urgent measures as Ford's German division faces financial uncertainties.
In Cologne, Germany, employees of Ford have commenced warning strikes as a direct response to management's refusal to satisfy union demands for enhanced severance packages and an 'insolvency-protected safety net.' The strikes, orchestrated by the IG Metall union, are slated to affect night, early morning, and late shifts from late Tuesday evening through Thursday.
The union asserts that the strikes exemplify the workforce's collective support for IG Metall's call for a structured social tariff agreement.
David Lüdtke, a representative for IG Metall at Ford in Cologne, expressed the ongoing demand for a sustainable strategic plan for the Cologne sites and the preservation of as many jobs as feasible, emphasizing the necessity for an insolvency-protected safety net.
He noted that the termination of the patronage declaration has severely shaken employee trust in the company.
The patronage declaration, a form of financial guarantee provided by Ford's US headquarters since 2006, was recently revoked, resulting in the repurposing of financial assurances previously extended to support the ailing finances of Ford’s German subsidiary.
This development has raised substantial concerns regarding potential insolvency.
Although Ford Werke GmbH has stated that operational redundancies are ruled out until 2032, job security for employees remains uncertain.
If insolvency were to occur—a situation that was previously considered hypothetical—the security of their employment would be jeopardized.
Ford management has reiterated its commitment to the German division, reaffirming support through the allocation of several hundred million euros designated for revitalizing operations.
The company has clarified that the discontinuation of the patronage declaration signifies a return to normal operations rather than a reduction in Ford's investment in Europe.
Notably, no other Ford subsidiary has benefited from such a patronage declaration.
In recent months, Ford has launched two electric SUV models produced in Cologne; however, sales figures have reportedly not met expectations.
A spokesperson for Ford Germany acknowledged the workers' right to strike while highlighting their commitment to pursuing balanced and equitable solutions in collaboration with social partners.
Currently, approximately 11,500 employees are employed at Ford in Cologne, a decline from nearly 20,000 in 2018. Some segments of the workforce are currently engaged in short-time work until May; however, this arrangement does not influence the duration of the warning strike.
The union asserts that the strikes exemplify the workforce's collective support for IG Metall's call for a structured social tariff agreement.
David Lüdtke, a representative for IG Metall at Ford in Cologne, expressed the ongoing demand for a sustainable strategic plan for the Cologne sites and the preservation of as many jobs as feasible, emphasizing the necessity for an insolvency-protected safety net.
He noted that the termination of the patronage declaration has severely shaken employee trust in the company.
The patronage declaration, a form of financial guarantee provided by Ford's US headquarters since 2006, was recently revoked, resulting in the repurposing of financial assurances previously extended to support the ailing finances of Ford’s German subsidiary.
This development has raised substantial concerns regarding potential insolvency.
Although Ford Werke GmbH has stated that operational redundancies are ruled out until 2032, job security for employees remains uncertain.
If insolvency were to occur—a situation that was previously considered hypothetical—the security of their employment would be jeopardized.
Ford management has reiterated its commitment to the German division, reaffirming support through the allocation of several hundred million euros designated for revitalizing operations.
The company has clarified that the discontinuation of the patronage declaration signifies a return to normal operations rather than a reduction in Ford's investment in Europe.
Notably, no other Ford subsidiary has benefited from such a patronage declaration.
In recent months, Ford has launched two electric SUV models produced in Cologne; however, sales figures have reportedly not met expectations.
A spokesperson for Ford Germany acknowledged the workers' right to strike while highlighting their commitment to pursuing balanced and equitable solutions in collaboration with social partners.
Currently, approximately 11,500 employees are employed at Ford in Cologne, a decline from nearly 20,000 in 2018. Some segments of the workforce are currently engaged in short-time work until May; however, this arrangement does not influence the duration of the warning strike.
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