Ford employees at two car plants in the German city of Cologne went on strike on Wednesday to protest planned cuts of thousands of jobs at the American automaker\u2019s European facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cuts at Ford reflect broader changes in the automotive industry, as companies like Volkswagen, Nissan, and General Motors are also reducing jobs in response to growing competition from China, weak demand, and the costly transition to electric vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Strikers gathered in front of one of the plants in Cologne with red flags and the slogan: \u201cFighting for every job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cToday\u2019s strike is costing several million euros in losses,\u201d said works council chairman Benjamin Gruschka, commenting on the 24-hour production halt.
\u201cIt hurts. I would be surprised if Ford doesn\u2019t invite us back to the negotiation table as early as tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the possibility of further strikes, he added: \u201cIf the employer doesn\u2019t act, we are ready to escalate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The company has yet to comment on the strike and has not responded to Reuters’ email request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last week, workers voted to strike after Ford announced in November plans to cut about 14% of its European workforce, with the majority of cuts in Germany.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trade unions are calling on management to seek alternative paths for restructuring the business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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