Ford Spain is navigating an approval labor inspection and a regulation file under an ERE for its Valencia plant, impacting 1,124 workers. The move is set to facilitate the plant’s exit and involves a plan where roughly half of the departures were agreed to occur before the summer. The announcement came from the union branch of UGT-Ford, the leading body on the works council, as the workforce reductions were approved between management and the employee committee. To date, the initial voluntary departures are progressing through an incentive leave program that provides a voluntary exit pathway for eligible staff.
Further details from the UGT-Ford center indicate that early retirement routes are being explored for workers born in 1966 or those already enrolled in an early retirement scheme. The process begins with the submission of individual calculation sheets, and in the coming days, communications will be established with Mercer, the insurer, to formalize personalized departure packages tailored to each employee.
A consultant will oversee the rollout of personalized plans for the 1,124 employees affected by the ERE.
Both sides agreed that departures should not happen in a rush. The company and the committee agreed on a 15-day notice period to ensure a calm, orderly transition. This approach aims to minimize disruption and allow staff to plan their next steps with sufficient time, a point emphasized by the chair of the corporate committee.
Some departments may see postponement of departure dates due to production needs, but the emphasis remains on maintaining a steady cadence of exits without compromising daily operations.
In a related step, the members of the corporate committee note that the relocation plans for departing workers will be coordinated through a dedicated consulting process. The aim is to guarantee a comprehensive support structure for those choosing voluntary resignation, with a 100% commitment to facilitating relocation where feasible.
The action to release 1,124 workers is part of the workforce optimization strategy identified by the multinational automaker’s management. The objective is to finalize the program before the end of the calendar year, aligning with the company’s broader restructuring timeline and ensuring a smoother transition for the site and its teams.
relocation plans
From the outset, the company has contracted a consulting firm to inform interested employees once formalized for voluntary resignation, with assurances of robust relocation assistance where suitable. The process is designed to provide clear, personalized guidance for each individual, with the overall aim of supporting a successful transition for those choosing to exit the workforce while maintaining continuity for ongoing operations.
The expected completion date for the 1,124 departures remains set for the end of 2024, subject to the evolving needs of the business and the feasibility of ongoing production schedules. Stakeholders emphasize a measured pace that respects staff expectations and the operational requirements of the Valencia site.