No Ford plant will be left behind in path to electrification

Unite has pledged to ensure that no Ford plant in the UK will be left behind as the company moves to electrify its vehicles.

Unite’s primary focus is in securing the long-term future of Ford’s operation in Dagenham East London which comprises the engine plant and the headquarters of the company’s transport operations.

Proposals for a green, low/zero carbon future and future investment in the site are being developed and lead by Unite with the company being reactionary to the proposals instead of visionary in their approach to protect both the engine plant and transport operations.

According to Unite national office for the autos sector, Des Quinn said, “Unite’s message to Ford is simple – no plant must be left behind as we move towards the electrification of its vehicles.

“The company’s presence in Dagenham is legendary and it is absolutely imperative that Ford commits to a long-term plan for this crucial part of its empire.

“Unite is putting the Ford Motor Company on notice that any attempt to downsize its operations in the UK will be met with total opposition from the union and its members.”

Last year following intensive lobbying by Unite the long-term future of the Halewood plant in Merseyside was secured, following the announcement that it will produce propulsion units for Ford vehicles.

Unite is also seeking assurances from Ford that there will be no attempt to downgrade the company’s parts and after sales centre in Daventry nor its research and development site in Dunton, Essex.

Unite is concerned that the failure of Ford to make decisions and share information about the future direction of the company and the electrification of its product range in a timely manner, will result in it being required to play catch up against its competitors.

Unite is also warning that unless the union receives the commitments it is seeking then industrial discontent at the company is extremely likely.

Des Quinn added, “The continued silence from Ford about its long-term planning is inevitably creating a huge amount of fear and discontent among its loyal workforce across Europe but our focus is in particular about Ford in Britain given the importance of the UK vehicle market for the company and the debt owed to its loyal workforce.

“The challenges of electrification means that change is inevitable but that must not be at the expense of highly skilled well paid jobs at the company.”

By Barckley Sumner