GKN workers protest factory closure outside Parliament
WORKERS from a Birmingham factory threatened with closure held a protest outside Parliament on Tuesday, as they urged the Government to keep a promise to support the plant.
GKN Automotive in Chester Road will shut in 2022 with the loss of 519 roles, owners Melrose Industries has confirmed.
An alternative plan drawn up by a team of union officers, senior management at the plant, shop stewards and MP Jack Dromey was rejected by the firm.
Union Unite held an indicative ballot for industrial action last week and industrial action was overwhelming backed by workers. A formal ballot is now due to be held in the summer. Union leaders say the Government committed to attempting to keep the plant open, but has failed to act.
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng agreed in March to meet Erdington MP Jack Dromey and union representatives to discuss the plant.
In April, Business Minister Amanda Solloway suggested the Government could invest in the plant. She said “The Government are committed to doing what we can to save those high-skilled jobs.
“Ultimately, the future of the plant is a commercial decision for GKN management, but we stand ready to discuss viable alternative proposals with GKN management.
“That could involve investment in capital equipment or skills to stoke the plant’s competitiveness.”
Unite says the plant is of critical importance to the future viability of the UK automotive industry as it undergoes a transformation to electrification.
It produces drivelines – the components which transfer power from the engine and transmission to the wheels – and union leaders say drivelines compatible with electric vehicles will be essential for the overall success of the industry.
Unite regional officer Zoe Mayou said: “Our members at GKN are taking their fight to parliament today to make sure the government listens to their concerns.
“The government has promised to assist in ensuring that the GKN factory not only remains open but is a key player in the move to electric vehicles. Those promises have so far proved to be entirely hollow.
“If the government fails to step in and provide the real support and assistance that is needed to ensure this plant is ready for the electrification of the automotive industry in the UK, it would be not just a betrayal of the GKN workforce, but of the entire automotive sector in the UK.”
Mr Dromey (Lab) said: “It is not good enough for the Government to say there is nothing they can do to stop Melrose closing the GKN factory and exporting production to Poland and France.”
GKN, one of the UK’s oldest engineering companies, was sold to investment firm Melrose Industries for £8.1 billion.
GKN staff were given the closure news late in January.