On Monday, GM and PSA Group said an agreement had been met under which GM’s Vauxhall/Opel subsidiary and GM Financial’s European operations will join the PSA Group in a transaction valuing €1.3 billion and €0.9 billion.
But, reacting to the news, Unite said the fight now begins to secure a future for the UK manufacturing sites, which includes Ellesmere Port, Toddington and Luton. Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said the union has been and “will continue to work day and night to fight for their interests”.
“Now that GM has disposed of its UK sites, our focus switches to working with the new owners to persuade them of the evident merits of our plants and this excellent, loyal workforce,” he said.
“I am determined that we can convince the new boss, Mr Tavares, that it makes sense for him to continue to build in Britain. Our plants are the most productive in the European operation, the brand is strong here, the market for the products is here, so the cars must be made here.”
Ellesmere Port and Luton employ around 4,500 people. McCluskey said that “there is also a role for the government to play”.
Commenting on the future of the GM pension scheme, he added: “I have sought and have received urgent assurances from the PSA Group and General Motors as to their intentions towards the pensions of the UK workforce. It is vital that those who have saved hard for their retirement receive the benefits to which they are entitled.
“Unite will not allow our members to lose out, not by a penny.”
Union Unite vows to fight for Vauxhall workers
1 min read
Union Unite has vowed to fight for workers at Vauxhall’s UK manufacturing sites after it was announced that French company, PSA Group has struck a €2.2 billion (£1.9 billion) deal to buy Vauxhall/Opel from General Motors Europe.
