According to media reports, a Ford factory located in Germany has resumed production after being forced to halt production due to a supplier strike.
Following a strike by members of the IG Metall union, Ford was compelled to stop production at its Saarlouis plant, which is responsible for producing the Ford Focus compact car. On March 18, workers from the supplier voted to accept the social collective agreement reached through negotiations, officially ending the strike.
Approximately 500 IG Metall members from Magna Stanztechnik, Benteler, Tenneco, Rhenus LMS, and Lear participated in the strike action. The strike impacted the delivery of engine/transmission components, axles, body parts, wiring systems, and exhaust systems.
Next year, Ford's German factory will no longer produce the Ford Focus model and will cut 3,500 jobs as the company undergoes a transformation, focusing solely on selling electric vehicles in Europe in the future.
Last month, Ford reached an agreement with Saarlouis factory employees, including continuing to employ 1,000 workers until the end of 2032, paying severance and bonus to employees, establishing a transfer company, and providing qualification certification programs for employees.
Workers from suppliers near Ford's German factory are also seeking "attractive and well-funded" departure agreements similar to those of Ford employees. IG Metall stated that suppliers have "significantly increased" their severance fee offers.
