Ford Cologne in front of an unlimited strike: 93.5% vote for it!

Ford Cologne in front of an unlimited strike: 93.5% vote for it!

In Cologne, the Ford plant is facing a massive crisis. On May 9, 2025, a convincing majority of 93.5% of IG Metall members voted for an indefinite strike. The turnout was almost 96%. The union is thus equipped with a clear mandate that will start industrial action in the coming week after negotiations on a new social collective agreement have failed. [boerse-express.com reports that ...]

The IG Metall warns of considerable damage that could go far beyond the Cologne plant. In particular, the European commercial vehicle business and the company image of Ford could be severely affected. The situation is explosive because Ford has invested around two billion euros in electromobility in Cologne, while the sales figures for the new e-models disappear. In addition, the Germany business of the automobile manufacturer writes losses.

job cuts and management criticism

Ford management plans to reduce the personnel of 2,900 of the 11,500 jobs in Cologne by the end of 2027. This decision is made, although the last breakdown of jobs has not yet been completed two years ago. The lack of a sustainable future concept is heavily criticized by employee representatives. Benjamin Gruschka, the chairman of the Ford Councilor's Council, expresses that only a rough framework for the restructuring has been demolished during ten negotiation dates. Important cornerstones for a sustainable future concept, insolvency protection and severance payments must be clarified urgently.

The management of Ford is also faced with claims from the works council, which affect the company -related protection against dismissal by 2032. The works council rejects this claim, since the workforce has already paid a high price as part of the "Ford Future Design programs". In addition, Ford has terminated the “patronage declaration” to finance the German subsidiary, which further increases the uncertainty about the future of the location. [igmetall.de reports that ...]

alarm signal for investors

In a worrying step, the Ford US mother has withdrawn its annual view. This is seen as a clear alarm signal for investors. The Ford share recently noted at around 9.23 euros and suffers from trade tariffs and increasing production costs. Holding on the dividend is considered a desperate attempt to keep investors. The uncertainties around the Cologne plant and the entire corporate strategy have significantly shaken confidence in the brand.

The next week will be decisive. If the planned strike occurs, this could not only significantly impair production in Cologne, but also have an impact on the entire European market and continue to burden the already tense trade relationships.