‘Good news for members’
Unite welcomes car firms’ merger – which should lead to new UK-made models
Reading time: 3 min
The merger, which won approval from both sets of shareholders yesterday (Monday January 4), will create the world’s fourth biggest carmaker. Vauxhall employs 3,000 staff in the UK.
Unite said that the merger, allied with the post-Brexit free trade deal with the EU, should pave the way for new models to be produced in the UK.
However, the union was seeking confirmation that the company would stand by its previous announcement that there would be no plant closures in the UK.
“This merger is good news for our members at a bleak time for the UK economy,” commented Unite national officer for automotive industries Des Quinn.
“We welcome the approval of both sets of shareholders to create the fourth biggest global carmaker and will seek reassurance that the new merged company will continue to commit to no plant closures, as was previously announced in November.
“Specifically in the UK, we call upon PSA to look at a longer term plan to build electrified vehicles at both Luton and Ellesmere Port with future regulatory and legislative changes in mind.
“At Ellesmere Port, it is also now time for our members to be rewarded for their ongoing commitment and having met all cost requirements to be awarded new product – currently, it is the only plant in Europe not to have been.
“Previously the management have said that this decision will not be made until there is a clear understanding on the outcome of discussions between the British government and the European Union (EU).
“Now the free trade deal with the EU has been agreed by both sides with no tariffs or quotas, this should create the necessary business environment the company was seeking.
“Therefore, there should be no further delays in announcing new models at Ellesmere Port.”
The combined company will bring together well-known brands such as Peugeot, Citroen and Vauxhall from PSA with Fiat, Jeep and Chrysler.
By Shaun Noble
