More than 1,000 Ford UK workers go on strike in long-running pay dispute – Car Dealer Magazine

More than 1,000 Ford office and administrative employees went on strike today over a long-running pay dispute.

Members of the Unite union are challenging the carmaker’s decision to change the contract involving more than 1,000 administrative staff. Strikes are taking place at Ford of Britain sites in Dunton, Stratford, Dagenham, Daventry and Halewood.

The union claims Ford has failed to offer its workers permanent wage increases. Instead, it has offered many of its office workers a lump sum payment for 2024 and wants to introduce 100 per cent performance-based pay for all employees from 2025. The company is also proposing changes to sick pay.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Despite its enormous wealth, Ford has launched a direct attack on the pay and working conditions of its office workers. The only reason for this is corporate greed.

“The company’s appalling treatment of our members has simply made them more determined to fight against these cruel and unnecessary changes and for fair pay increases. They have Unite’s full and unwavering support as they seek a better deal.”

The workers, who started the strike on August 22, went on strike today (October 30) for 24 hours. The union says strikes will intensify if the dispute is not resolved.

Ford said in a statement: “Given the overall competitiveness of our overall payroll, employee compensation and benefits package, the company’s final proposal of a 5% overall pay increase for 2023/24 is fair and balanced.”

“We will continue to work with Unite and our valued employees to resolve this matter.”

Unite national spokesperson Alison Spencer-Scragg said: “Ford’s attempt to force its workers to end their strike and accept completely unacceptable deals has failed miserably.

“The strike will cause significant disruption to Ford operations and will continue to escalate. The only way to end this dispute is for Ford to come up with proposals that our members can accept.”