Ford Workers in Cologne Engage in Warning Strikes Amid Job Security Concerns
IG Metall calls for measures to protect jobs as Ford’s German unit faces financial challenges.
In Cologne, Germany, employees of Ford have initiated warning strikes in response to management's refusal to meet union demands for substantial severance packages and an 'insolvency-protected safety net.' The strikes, organized by the IG Metall union, are scheduled to affect night, early morning, and late shifts from late Tuesday evening through Thursday.
The union emphasizes that the strikes demonstrate the workforce's united stance behind IG Metall’s calls for a structured social tariff agreement.
David Lüdtke, a spokesperson for IG Metall at Ford in Cologne, stated, "We continue to demand a sustainable future strategy for the Cologne sites and the preservation of as many jobs as possible, but we also need an insolvency-protected safety net.
The termination of the patronage declaration has significantly shaken the trust of our colleagues in the company."
The patronage declaration, a form of guarantee provided by Ford’s US parent company since 2006, was recently revoked.
This change repurposes the financial guarantee previously extended to alleviate the struggling finances of Ford’s German subsidiary, raising concerns about the potential for insolvency.
While Ford Werke GmbH has ruled out operational redundancies until 2032, employee job security remains precarious.
Should an insolvency occur—a scenario that was previously theoretical—the security of their employment could be at risk.
Ford management stresses their commitment to the German subsidiary, reaffirming their support through the allocation of several hundred million euros intended to revitalize operations.
The company has articulated that the cessation of the patronage declaration reflects a return to normalcy rather than a withdrawal of Ford's investment in Europe.
No other Ford subsidiary has benefited from such a patronage declaration.
In recent months, Ford has launched two electric SUVs manufactured in Cologne, but sales have reportedly fallen short of expectations.
A spokesperson for Ford Germany acknowledged the workforce's right to strike while underscoring their commitment to seeking balanced and equitable solutions in collaboration with social partners.
Currently, approximately 11,500 employees remain with Ford in Cologne, down from nearly 20,000 in 2018. Certain segments of the workforce are engaged in short-time work until May; however, this arrangement does not affect the days of the warning strike.
The union emphasizes that the strikes demonstrate the workforce's united stance behind IG Metall’s calls for a structured social tariff agreement.
David Lüdtke, a spokesperson for IG Metall at Ford in Cologne, stated, "We continue to demand a sustainable future strategy for the Cologne sites and the preservation of as many jobs as possible, but we also need an insolvency-protected safety net.
The termination of the patronage declaration has significantly shaken the trust of our colleagues in the company."
The patronage declaration, a form of guarantee provided by Ford’s US parent company since 2006, was recently revoked.
This change repurposes the financial guarantee previously extended to alleviate the struggling finances of Ford’s German subsidiary, raising concerns about the potential for insolvency.
While Ford Werke GmbH has ruled out operational redundancies until 2032, employee job security remains precarious.
Should an insolvency occur—a scenario that was previously theoretical—the security of their employment could be at risk.
Ford management stresses their commitment to the German subsidiary, reaffirming their support through the allocation of several hundred million euros intended to revitalize operations.
The company has articulated that the cessation of the patronage declaration reflects a return to normalcy rather than a withdrawal of Ford's investment in Europe.
No other Ford subsidiary has benefited from such a patronage declaration.
In recent months, Ford has launched two electric SUVs manufactured in Cologne, but sales have reportedly fallen short of expectations.
A spokesperson for Ford Germany acknowledged the workforce's right to strike while underscoring their commitment to seeking balanced and equitable solutions in collaboration with social partners.
Currently, approximately 11,500 employees remain with Ford in Cologne, down from nearly 20,000 in 2018. Certain segments of the workforce are engaged in short-time work until May; however, this arrangement does not affect the days of the warning strike.
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