Ford Almus Cases will stay in effect at least through 31 December under the Temporary Employment Regulation File (Deferred), a measure that has been in place for months at the Valencia plant. Earlier today, a statement from UGT-Ford, the factory’s main union, confirmed that Ford plans were postponed following a Late Negotiation Commission meeting. The issue affecting both vehicle and engine production will be carried over into the new year.
The union highlighted several factors behind the postponement. A global semiconductor shortage combined with supplier capacity constraints, the ongoing pandemic, and ongoing delivery and shipment delays in the logistics sector have all contributed to elevated engine demand and supply uncertainty. The war in Ukraine has added months of disruption, though the period from October to December showed signals of less severe impact than anticipated.
new calendar
With this context in mind, Ford has adjusted its timetable. Vehicle production will see the previously planned four November production-stop days moved to November, with additional shutdown days added. The result is a halt in all vehicle operations on November 4, 7, 18, 21, 25, 28 and 29. The company will also discontinue the proportional section of Tables and Assembly, along with the Body 3 portion from October 25 to November 25 at Almussafes.
In December, Production System A will stop on the afternoon shift from November 30 to December 23, with full production cessation scheduled for December 16 and 19.
On the engine side, the assembly plant will pause on Friday, October 28, and then continue with eleven shutdown days in November (2, 3, 4, 7, 14, 18, 21, 24, 25, 28, 29) and eight more days in December (12, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23). The company is expected to extend a 12 day pause in November (5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28) and a further 13 days in December (3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23).
an aggravated problem
UGT-Ford representatives described the situation as unresolved and worsening. They stated that the component shortage seems to be growing rather than easing, effectively pushing the year toward a near complete shutdown of the system.
The union also commented on the extension, noting that it was passed unilaterally and remains open to review as production levels for 2023 are assessed. The measure keeps compensation in place for affected workers, maintaining 80 percent of daily salary, full holiday and surcharge coverage, and continued seniority benefits.