25 October 2012
GMB pledge to join with Unite to fight Ford factory closures leading to 1,500 job cuts.
This is devastating news for the workforce at Dagenham and Southampton and there will be a feeling of shock and anger and Ford's commitment on investment will cut little ice says GMB
GMB, the union for manufacturing workers, responded to the news that Fords are to close Dagenham Tool and Stamping Operation with 1,000 jobs cuts and van production in Southampton with 500 job cuts.
Justin Bowden GMB National Officer said“Ford's track record in Britain is one of broken promises and factory closures. This is devastating news for the workforce at Dagenham and Southampton. There will be a feeling of shock and anger, and Ford's commitment on investment will cut little ice. GMB will join with Unite to fight these closures.
This is a huge blow for the UK manufacturing industry. It is an appalling indictment of Ford that in their largest market in Europe they are ending 110 years of vehicle production as they move van production to a low cost economy.
The UK Government cannot stand idly by while much needed jobs in UK manufacturing are being exported in the sixth year of recession that has led to mass unemployment in Britain”.