Overview

• In a union ballot, 93.5% of IG Metall members at Ford's Cologne plant supported using all measures, including strikes, with a 95.7% voter turnout.
• The union demands high severance packages and financial protections for workers in case of insolvency, following Ford’s plan to cut 2,900 jobs by 2027.
• Ford Germany faces financial strain from slow electric vehicle sales and a €2 billion investment in transitioning the Cologne plant to EV production.
• This would mark the first time a strike mandate at Ford Cologne leads directly to indefinite work stoppages, with action possible as early as next week.
• Negotiations have been paused until Ford presents a viable offer, as IG Metall warns prolonged strikes could damage Ford’s European operations and reputation.