Cologne Ford Strike: A Union Tug-of-War

Following Ford's announcement of plans to eliminate 3,200 jobs in Cologne, Germany, primarily affecting engineers and administrative staff involved in combustion engine vehicle development, around 11,500 Ford workers in Cologne voted overwhelmingly for an indefinite strike. The job cuts are part of Ford's broader shift towards electric vehicle production. The workers view the layoffs as a significant attack on their livelihoods and a violation of past agreements guaranteeing job security. The union, IG Metall, initially attempted to negotiate with Ford but deemed the company's offer insufficient. The workers are demanding that all 3,200 jobs be preserved and that Ford invest in the Cologne plant's future. The strike reflects broader anxieties among European autoworkers concerning the transition to electric vehicles and the potential job losses associated with this shift. The workers fear that Ford is prioritizing short-term profits over the long-term well-being of its workforce and the Cologne plant's future. The strike is intended to pressure Ford to reconsider its plans and negotiate a more favorable outcome for the workers. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/05/13/bftk-m13.html