General Motors’ European division on Monday told the Associated Press (AP) its plans to outsource some jobs at its Opel unit were in line with a labour agreement it reached in March.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


The company reportedly defended its plans after Klaus Franz, a labour representative for workers at GM’s Opel brand, told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper at the weekend that the company was looking to transfer 350 Opel workers from their jobs at plants in the German cities of Bochum, Kaiserslautern and Ruesselsheim to an external company. Doing so, he said, would violate GM Europe’s agreement to guarantee the jobs remain unmoved and unchanged until 2010.


Ruediger Assion, a spokesman for GM Europe, told the Associated Press that outsourcing plans had been discussed before and were already part of the March agreement.


“GM Europe doesn’t plan anything in secret, but follows plans in close co-operation with Opel’s management board,” he reportedly said on Monday.


He told AP outsourcing plans for 100 other workers at GM’s Bochum plant have been put on hold until the end of November while the company holds negotiations with labour groups about an eventual move.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The Associated Press noted that, in March, GM reached a long-term deal with its labour groups, giving them a no-layoff pledge in return for offering smaller wage increases and more flexible working hours.


AP added that GM already has said 4,500 workers have accepted buyouts and will leave, part of a total of 9,000 lost jobs at Opel. Some 2,700 jobs are being cut at the main plant in Ruesselsheim, 1,500 at the factory in Bochum and 300 at Kaiserslautern, the company reportedly said.


In addition to those accepting the severance package, 1,000 Opel employees have agreed to an early retirement plan, the Associated Press added.