Menu
11/05/2006
GM workers down tools at Ellsmere
Workers at General Motors (GM) Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire have downed tools in a mass walkout.
The walkout of union members followed news that GM was considering cutting around 1,000 jobs in the UK as it looks at trimming back production of its Astra model in Europe.
The main union, Amicus, had already met with GM Europe chiefs in Germany earlier this week for discussions on the future of the Vauxhall's Astra plant at Ellesmere Port on Merseyside.
It is reported that cutting a shift at Ellemere was tabled by GM management.
Urgent discussions between unions and management were sparked by a declaration that GM was looking at reducing production capacity in the three plants across Europe making Astras. The motor manufacturer said that it anticipates reduced demand for the Astra, one of its best-selling UK models.
Union leaders described comments by GM Europe boss Carl Peter Forster as "unhelpful."
Earlier this week senior union figures condemned the proposals for Ellesmere and four other sites as "making no sense," as the Astra was Britain's number one best selling new car last month.
It is understood that unions were seeking reassurances from the company about the future of Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port plant and an undertaking that any cuts in jobs be shared across all five GM sites rather than targeting the Merseyside plant.
Around 3,000 people are employed at GM's Ellesmere plant.
GM management are examining the detail of a restructuring programme calling for around 12,000 job cuts.
(SP/KMcA)
The walkout of union members followed news that GM was considering cutting around 1,000 jobs in the UK as it looks at trimming back production of its Astra model in Europe.
The main union, Amicus, had already met with GM Europe chiefs in Germany earlier this week for discussions on the future of the Vauxhall's Astra plant at Ellesmere Port on Merseyside.
It is reported that cutting a shift at Ellemere was tabled by GM management.
Urgent discussions between unions and management were sparked by a declaration that GM was looking at reducing production capacity in the three plants across Europe making Astras. The motor manufacturer said that it anticipates reduced demand for the Astra, one of its best-selling UK models.
Union leaders described comments by GM Europe boss Carl Peter Forster as "unhelpful."
Earlier this week senior union figures condemned the proposals for Ellesmere and four other sites as "making no sense," as the Astra was Britain's number one best selling new car last month.
It is understood that unions were seeking reassurances from the company about the future of Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port plant and an undertaking that any cuts in jobs be shared across all five GM sites rather than targeting the Merseyside plant.
Around 3,000 people are employed at GM's Ellesmere plant.
GM management are examining the detail of a restructuring programme calling for around 12,000 job cuts.
(SP/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 September 2004
British shoppers still turned off by GM food: survey
A majority of British consumers still do not feel comfortable with genetically modified (GM) food, according to a Which? Magazine survey.
British shoppers still turned off by GM food: survey
A majority of British consumers still do not feel comfortable with genetically modified (GM) food, according to a Which? Magazine survey.
19 May 2003
Meacher's GM crops comments draws fire
Friends of the Earth has reacted angrily today to comments made by Environment Minister Michael Meacher suggesting that the government could allow GM crops to be grown commercially in the UK – without the public getting a say on the issue.
Meacher's GM crops comments draws fire
Friends of the Earth has reacted angrily today to comments made by Environment Minister Michael Meacher suggesting that the government could allow GM crops to be grown commercially in the UK – without the public getting a say on the issue.
09 March 2004
Commercial planting of GM maize gets go ahead
The government has said today that it has agreed "in principle" to the commercial cultivation of GM herbicide-tolerant maize. Mrs Beckett said she did not anticipate any commercial cultivation of GM maize "before spring 2005 at the earliest".
Commercial planting of GM maize gets go ahead
The government has said today that it has agreed "in principle" to the commercial cultivation of GM herbicide-tolerant maize. Mrs Beckett said she did not anticipate any commercial cultivation of GM maize "before spring 2005 at the earliest".
17 May 2012
GM Save Vauxhall Car Plant
General Motors will confirm this morning the survival of the Ellesmere Port car plant, which will become the new production home of it’s new Astra model. The move follows staff at the car company voting by 94% in favour of a new pay and conditions deal, clearing the way for investment in the Ellesmere Port plant.
GM Save Vauxhall Car Plant
General Motors will confirm this morning the survival of the Ellesmere Port car plant, which will become the new production home of it’s new Astra model. The move follows staff at the car company voting by 94% in favour of a new pay and conditions deal, clearing the way for investment in the Ellesmere Port plant.
21 October 2003
Co-op bans GM crops from its stores
The Co-op supermarket group has banned GM crops from its stores and said today that it will reject any government proposals to allow the commercial planting of GM crops in the UK.
Co-op bans GM crops from its stores
The Co-op supermarket group has banned GM crops from its stores and said today that it will reject any government proposals to allow the commercial planting of GM crops in the UK.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
