GKN Automotive is insisting it will shutter its factory in the British Midlands city of Birmingham in 2022, despite a vote in favour of strike action by the overwhelming majority of labour body, Unite, members at the plant.
Unite put the strike motion to its members at the venture capitalist, Melrose-owned factory, which employs 500 people and produces car drivelines, with a potential for strike action in mid-September.
Unite says there was a 95% vote in favour of strike action on a 95% turnout.
“GKN Automotive is disappointed by the result of the ballot but respects the right of our colleagues to take legitimate industrial action,” said a statement from the supplier sent to just-auto.
“However, this does not change our difficult decision to close the Erdington plant.”
The union maintains an alternative business plan developed by GKN workers, the factory’s senior management, Unite officials and local politicians, was rejected by the supplier in May.
Following the overwhelming yes vote, Unite is calling on parties to reach agreement on future production and support. These include government, local politicians, GKN’s customers, such as JLR, Toyota and Nissan, the Advanced Propulsion Centre and GKN Automotive CEO, Liam Butterworth.
The union notes failure to reach agreement could see strike action hit the plant and customers during the coming weeks.
“This is a tremendous result and shows the determination and confidence of the GKN workforce to fight for their jobs, their community and the long-term future of their plant,” said Unite assistant general secretary, Steve Turner.
“This is a highly viable plant, which could and should be playing a leading role as the UK moves to the electrification of its automotive sector.
“It is now incumbent everyone concerned with the future of GKN Driveline including customers, the government, local politicians and GKN’s parent company, Melrose, come together to hammer out a future for the plant and the UK’s supply of key components. The alternative is a long drawn-out dispute that will damage both GKN and the company’s customer base.
“We have called an urgent meeting of all parties involved and expect both GKN, its customer base, as well as the government, to respond positively to a viable alternative plan to secure the plant’s future.
“The ball is now firmly in GKN and Melrose’s court and how they respond will dictate how this dispute will develop over the coming weeks and months.”