Multinational Ford informed the UGT union this afternoon: “Postponed” the electrification of the factory Almus safes Given the slow rise of the electric vehicle market, as notified to its members by the union organization. The company’s new positioning “This represents a change from what was originally determined and agreed upon,” the union complains. A company spokesperson confirmed this Lift-EMV HE They are reconsidering electrification deadlines Almussafes, however, insisted that everything is still going on. In fact, the company requested European funding from the second part for the Electric and Connected Vehicle (VEC) three months ago; This one, unlike the first one, allows the investment to be made until 2028. In addition, the Government just awarded $37 million. for 188 million battery assembly plant at automobile company Almussafes.
UGT regretted The decision “leaves the company’s production in Valencia in jeopardy” and in the rest of Europe. The union demands an increase in the hybrid car production line to “guarantee the workload” and protect the workforce as long as the “unknown” of electrification is not solved and the workload is compromised (estimated at 200,000 cars per year). )”.
The company insists on continuing with plans to produce the electric car in Almussafes, but there are other deadlines
UGT stands
Given the company’s new location, the union organization is demanding that plans to review the electrification process be finalized. “Otherwise the company will not be able to negotiate further flexibility measures, at least with the UGT,” warns the majority union in control of the works council. “Based on current circumstances, we are scheduled to meet again in December. The ball is in the company’s court and there must be clarity and determination on your part despite the complexity of the moment.”
Unity willing to continue cooperation As long as the company’s plans are clear. “If this is the case, once again and as always, if Ford really wants to move towards the future with this determination and does not want to continue “indecision” any longer, we as UGT will be ready to offer solutions.
Waiver of funds from the first part
Ford waived €106 million from the first VEC last year to electrify its Almussafes factory after postponing plans to develop electric vehicles. The multinational company formalized its request in mid-August help for second VEC perte. The company did not provide details of the request, which was added to the request for another Perte subsidy for battery line projects, for which it received 37 million lira for the battery assembly facility worth 188 million. Automobile companies establish such facilities next to their factories to save on logistics costs. Each vehicle needs 200 to 400 cells, and these are the so-called ‘battery packs‘.
The announcement of the delay in electrification is a blow to Ford’s workforce in Valencia, which was forced to make major cuts a year and a half ago when Ford competed with the former German plant in Saarlouis for an electric car production line and managed to emerge the winner. One of the last two models delivered to Europe. This decision was taken following an agreement with the UGT that meant pay cuts across the workforce, resulting in an ERE of around a thousand employees this year. Workers now fear new cuts will occur without more workload. It is said that there will be another ERE for 1,000 people in 2024.
“The future of Ford Europe is at stake”
UGT believes the slowdown in electrification will have consequences across the continent. “HE The future of Ford Europe is at stake. This situation will become clear this week Cologne via (Germany) first mobilizations These will be realized. Answers are urgently needed because Ford has an agreement with UGT in Valencia. We expect it to be completed soon “We have been warned by Ford’s global management about this change of pace,” warns the union. Ford management, on its part, insists: “As the market and our customers shift to electric vehicles, we will balance volume with demand while maintaining a focus on costs.” Daniel Portillo of STM-Intersindical pointed out that Ford has always been “conservative” in betting on and launching groundbreaking new models: “This has already happened with the SUV, and now everything shows that they have not yet seen the rise of the car market. ” They are closed in Europe and that’s why they are stopping their investments.