Union’s delight at Ford’s above-inflation pay deal

SOME 9,000 workers at car maker Ford have been offered an inflation-busting pay deal which guarantees at least a 6% rise in a two-year package.

Unite, the country’s largest union representing the vast majority of the hourly workers set to benefit, hailed the offer as “industry-leading” and will be recommending acceptance.

The deal covers Ford workers at its engine plant in Bridgend, which employs 2,100, where there remain union concerns over the long-term future of the plant.

In August, Unite confirmed hourly-paid workers at Bridgend had voted 52% in favour of strike action and 72% in favour of action short of strike action.

The union had balloted its members after it was revealed more than 1,000 jobs may be lost over the next few years after Ford cut its investment in the new Dragon engine, meaning fewer workers would be required to produce it.

However, last month the union confirmed it was putting strike action on hold as it continues talks with management over the future of the plant, including what new production could be brought in.

Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) also announced last month that it would end its engine deal with the Bridgend plant three months early in 2020.

Ford said that at its peak in 2015 it provided JLR with half a million engines from Bridgend. The plant also produces the Sigma engine for the Ford Focus, Cougar and Mondeo models.

The new pay deal is a 4.5 % rise for the year starting November 24, as well as a lump of £750. The second year, starting on November 24, 2018, will see a pay rise of 2% or an increase equivalent to the retail price index (RPI) over the period October 2017 to October 2018, plus 0.5% – whichever is greater.

Unite national officer for the automotive sector Roger Maddison said: “We believe that this is a fair deal for both sides – the company and the workers – and reflects the dedication of our members and the excellent contribution they make to Ford’s European automotive operations.”