Protest Against Management: Thousands Gather at Ford Rally - Crowds Gather at Ford Assembly Plant
Title: The Strained Relationship at Ford Germany: A Chorus of Dissent at Employee Gathering
- *
Relations between Ford Germany's management and its works council have taken a turn for the worse. During a meeting with an estimated 8,000 employees at the Ford plant in Cologne, the works council's chairman, Benjamin Gruschka, voiced his disapproval of the management's behavior, labelling it "reckless."
Ford's Germany CEO, Marcus Wassenberg, took the stage to diffuse the tension, but his words were overshadowed by frustrated whistles from the protesting workforce.
Ford is intent on reducing its workforce in Cologne by 2,900 by 2027, leaving approximately 9,000 employees. The management seeks the works council's approval for this, as the company had previously outlined plans to avoid dismissals until 2032. However, the works council has thus far refused to endorse the new austerity measures, opting instead for a viable and long-term future strategy.
Mounting pressure on the German subsidiary has lately increased following the annulment of a patronage declaration, which had been in effect since 2006 and ensured the American parent company's support for the German branch. With the withdrawal of this patronage declaration, the beleaguered German subsidiary now faces greater pressure to become profitable.
A defiant demonstration on Tuesday evening underscored the sombre mood and escalating tone. Around 100 Ford employees gathered at the factory fence with torches, chanting protest slogans, while a bright display of "Fuck you - we stay" was illuminated onto a Ford hall using a projector, accompanied by the IG Metall logo below.
- works council
- Germany
- crisis
- Ford Motor
- whistles
- Cologne
- CEO
- Wassenberg
- protest
- Fuck you
- IG Metall
- The works council in Germany, led by Benjamin Gruschka, is currently in disagreement with Ford Motor's management, particularly over the proposed workforce reduction in Cologne.
- Despite Ford Germany CEO Marcus Wassenberg's efforts to alleviate tension during a meeting with employees, his words were met with frustrated whistles, indicative of the crisis and dissent among the workforce.
- In light of the company's financial pressures and recent withdrawal of a patronage declaration, the works council is pushing for a sustainable and long-term strategy, opposed to the proposed austere measures and potential dismissals.
