Roughly a year ago, Ford dealt with a six week-long targeted strike by the United Auto Workers (UAW) in the U.S. after the two sides failed to reach an agreement prior to the deadline for doing so, though both ultimately found common ground and signed a new master contract. At the same time, Ford also narrowly escaped a second strike by the Unifor union in Canada when the two sides reached a new master contract agreement as well. Now, however, Ford is facing another potential strike in the UK, too.
According to the UK-based union Unite, more than 1,000 Ford administrative workers in Dunton, Stratford, Dagenham, Daventry, and Halewood are set to go on strike starting tomorrow if the two sides can’t come to terms on proposed pay increases and benefits changes. Ford is offering those office workers and certain managers a one-time payment for 2024 and is seeking to impose a 100 percent performance-related pay system from 2025 for all of those staff members, while Unite is seeking a permanent pay increase instead. Additionally, Ford wants to change its sick pay policy, though the union notes that absence rates currently stand at less than two percent.
“Despite its huge wealth, Ford has launched a direct attack on its office workers’ pay and terms and conditions. The only reason for this is corporate greed,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham. “The company’s appalling treatment of our members has simply made them more determined to fight against these cruel and unnecessary changes and for a fair pay rise. They have Unite’s total and unflinching support as they strike for a better deal.”
This isn’t the first time Ford has dealt with a potential strike from its UK-based workers, either. Back in February, Unite warned that around 3,000 salaried workers and managers in that country were set to go on strike over similar pay disputes. Then, in June, Unite imposed additional actions after rejecting Ford’s proposed merit based performance award compensation scheme.
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