British labour body, Unite, says given more than 1,500 Ford workers voted for action in its recent strike ballot, the automaker could not simply “dismiss” their worries.
Around 5,000 mainly production line Unite members cast their strike votes at Ford’s six UK sites: Bridgend, Daventry, Dunton, Halewood and two plants in Dagenham, but have stepped back from downing tools.
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“Workers have exercised their democratic rights and have chosen not to pursue industrial action,” said a Unite spokesman. “However, over 1,500 workers voted for action and the company cannot just dismiss their concerns.
“Unite will be meeting the union’s representatives from Ford to explore alternative ways to ensure Ford makes a commitment to maintaining jobs in the UK.”
The union says the ballot concerned demands for commitments to job security in line with its counterparts in other European Union countries and improvements in the pension scheme.
For its part Ford noted: “The company has a long established practice of negotiating the pay, conditions and working practices of employees with its partner Unions in the UK.
“In 2011 a two-year agreement was reached and we re-entered discussions in 2013, recognising the priority for industry-leading levels of cost, efficiency and competitiveness.
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By GlobalData“This process is now moving forward to completion for all affected employees.”
