British labour body, Unite, members are to walk out on 27 September at GKN Automotive’s driveline factory in Birmingham in protest at plans to shutter the site.
GKN Automotive is insisting it will close its factory, employing 500 staff in the British Midlands city of Birmingham in 2022, but a 95% yes vote by Unite members in favour of a walk-out, will see action start at the end of September.
“GKN’s cynical attempt to close its Erdington plant is a disgrace,” said newly-elected Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham.
“We will not stand by and let this employer off-shore British jobs without a fight. We will leave no stone unturned in the ongoing battle to ensure the future of the Birmingham factory and our members.”
The union added it initially delayed issuing strike action and arranged a meeting with all interested parties to reach agreement on future production and support.
GKN confined itself to reiterating its recent position concerning any industrial action, noting: “GKN Automotive is disappointed by the result of the ballot but respects the right of our colleagues to take legitimate industrial action.
“However, this does not change our difficult decision to close the Erdington plant.”
https://www.unitetheunion.org/news-events/news/2021/september/gkn-birmingham-workers-announce-all-out-strike-action-in-battle-to-prevent-factory-closure/