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11/05/2006
GM workers down tools at Ellsmere
Workers at General Motors (GM) Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire have downed tools in a mass walkout.
The walkout of union members followed news that GM was considering cutting around 1,000 jobs in the UK as it looks at trimming back production of its Astra model in Europe.
The main union, Amicus, had already met with GM Europe chiefs in Germany earlier this week for discussions on the future of the Vauxhall's Astra plant at Ellesmere Port on Merseyside.
It is reported that cutting a shift at Ellemere was tabled by GM management.
Urgent discussions between unions and management were sparked by a declaration that GM was looking at reducing production capacity in the three plants across Europe making Astras. The motor manufacturer said that it anticipates reduced demand for the Astra, one of its best-selling UK models.
Union leaders described comments by GM Europe boss Carl Peter Forster as "unhelpful."
Earlier this week senior union figures condemned the proposals for Ellesmere and four other sites as "making no sense," as the Astra was Britain's number one best selling new car last month.
It is understood that unions were seeking reassurances from the company about the future of Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port plant and an undertaking that any cuts in jobs be shared across all five GM sites rather than targeting the Merseyside plant.
Around 3,000 people are employed at GM's Ellesmere plant.
GM management are examining the detail of a restructuring programme calling for around 12,000 job cuts.
(SP/KMcA)
The walkout of union members followed news that GM was considering cutting around 1,000 jobs in the UK as it looks at trimming back production of its Astra model in Europe.
The main union, Amicus, had already met with GM Europe chiefs in Germany earlier this week for discussions on the future of the Vauxhall's Astra plant at Ellesmere Port on Merseyside.
It is reported that cutting a shift at Ellemere was tabled by GM management.
Urgent discussions between unions and management were sparked by a declaration that GM was looking at reducing production capacity in the three plants across Europe making Astras. The motor manufacturer said that it anticipates reduced demand for the Astra, one of its best-selling UK models.
Union leaders described comments by GM Europe boss Carl Peter Forster as "unhelpful."
Earlier this week senior union figures condemned the proposals for Ellesmere and four other sites as "making no sense," as the Astra was Britain's number one best selling new car last month.
It is understood that unions were seeking reassurances from the company about the future of Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port plant and an undertaking that any cuts in jobs be shared across all five GM sites rather than targeting the Merseyside plant.
Around 3,000 people are employed at GM's Ellesmere plant.
GM management are examining the detail of a restructuring programme calling for around 12,000 job cuts.
(SP/KMcA)
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