The unions strongly reconfirmed that negotiations in respect of the distribution of the production volumes of the next generation of the Astra model could only take place on condition that no redundancies on economic grounds or plant closure were envisaged. A whole series of solidarity measures, as well as protest action and action days, were unanimously decided in the event of GME not respecting its commitments towards its employees. “As in the past, the unions and employee representatives will join forces to prove to management that European cross-border solidarity is fully possible », declared Peter Scherrer, EMF General Secretary.

The unions condemned the brutal behaviour of the management of the Delphi automotive supplier company in relation to the announced closure of the Puerto Real plant (Spain). 1,600 people stand to lose their jobs. The members of the EMF’s GM European Coordination Group expressed their solidarity towards their colleagues in Delphi in their fight against the plant closure and the job cuts which would jeopardize the future prospects of thousands of persons in the Cadiz region.

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PRESS 19/2007
The EMF is the representative body defending the interests of workers in the European metal industry. The EMF has a mandate for the external representation and coordination of the metalworkers' unions and a mandate to engage in bargaining at European level.

For further information please contact:
Editor, Peter Scherrer, General Secretary
Chantal Caron, EMF Project Officer + 32 2 227 10 15