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Thousands Walk Off the Job in First-Ever Official Strike at Cologne Ford Plant
In an unprecedented labor action, over 10,000 employees at Ford’s Cologne plant walked off the job for 24 hours in mid-May, launching the first official strike in the factory’s 100-year history. The move follows Ford’s announcement to cut 2,900 jobs at the site, sparking widespread anger and uncertainty among the workforce. The action, orchestrated by the IG Metall union, comes after months of stalled negotiations and is seen as a desperate bid to halt the company’s retrenchment strategy in Germany.
Ford’s Legacy at Risk in Cologne
For many employees, working at Ford has been more than a job—it has been a family tradition. Ahmet Cözmez, a development engineer at the plant, represents the third generation of his family employed by the American automaker. His grandfather came from Turkey in 1970 as a guest worker, and both his father and grandfather spent decades on Ford’s assembly lines. “The Ford DNA runs deep in us,” Cözmez said, voicing the disillusionment shared by many workers now facing an uncertain future.
The slogan “Once Ford, always Ford” once defined the loyalty between workers and the company. But the planned job cuts have shattered that trust. “We are anxious and tense,” said Cözmez, echoing the sentiments of many who fear not only for their own livelihoods but for the future of the entire plant.
Solidarity From Across Germany and Beyond
What began as a localized dispute has rapidly gained national and international attention. Workers from other Ford sites, including Saarlouis, stood alongside their Cologne colleagues. Support also poured in from Germany’s mining and chemical sectors, as well as international unions. Even cultural figures joined the action, with musician Stefan Brings performing on-site to boost morale.
SPD politician Jochen Ott was among the most vocal political supporters, criticizing Ford’s handling of the layoffs and calling for more robust social compensation packages. “This workforce deserves fair treatment,” Ott insisted, adding that the company must take meaningful steps to protect employees if cuts proceed.
Electric Gamble Falls Flat
Ford’s European strategy has shifted focus to electric vehicles, with the Cologne facility retooled to produce two new EV models. However, sales have failed to meet expectations. The company’s €2 billion investment in electrification has yet to yield returns, and the once-popular Ford Fiesta—previously built in Cologne—was phased out in 2023 to make room for these new models.
Experts warn that Ford, a relatively small player in Europe’s passenger car market, is struggling more than its competitors to transition to electric mobility. “German automakers were late to the EV game, but Ford appears to be lagging even further behind,” said Anita Wölfl, an economist with the ifo Center for Innovation Economics and Digital Transformation.
Economic Pressures Mount Across the Auto Sector
Ford’s woes are part of a broader crisis in the automotive industry. The German economy remains in recession for the second year running, and consumer demand for new cars has sharply declined. “People cut back on big purchases like cars when money is tight,” explained Wölfl.
The downturn isn’t limited to Ford. Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW are also experiencing slowdowns. The situation in Cologne, however, is being closely watched due to its symbolic importance and the potential for broader ripple effects.
Global Ramifications and Political Uncertainty
The Ford strike in Cologne may have repercussions beyond Germany. As Wölfl points out, the automotive sector operates through a vast, interconnected global supply chain. “Even companies not directly involved can feel the impact of trade disruptions and layoffs in Germany,” she said.
Adding to the instability are rising trade tensions between the U.S. and Europe. Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of increased tariffs on vehicle parts have already rattled the industry. The termination of Ford’s 2006 “letter of comfort,” in which the U.S. parent company had guaranteed financial backing for its German subsidiary, has only intensified fears of insolvency.
Union Demands Job Security and Social Guarantees
IG Metall, Germany’s largest industrial union, is demanding more than just a halt to layoffs. It is pushing for a binding social plan that includes generous severance packages, retraining opportunities, and legal safeguards in the event of insolvency.
Negotiations had been dragging on through 12 formal sessions with little progress before the strike was called. On the eve of the strike, Ford management presented a new offer in an attempt to restart talks. The details remain confidential, but union representatives confirm that key negotiation points have now been agreed upon with German management and are awaiting feedback from Ford’s U.S. headquarters.
A Turning Point in Ford’s Future in Germany
As the factory remains locked in tense negotiations, the future of Ford’s presence in Cologne—and perhaps even in Europe—hangs in the balance. With 11,500 jobs at stake and public scrutiny intensifying, the pressure on Ford’s leadership is mounting.
IG Metall has not ruled out further strikes if talks fail. For many workers, the situation is about more than just employment—it’s about preserving dignity, legacy, and the promise of industrial stability in one of Germany’s most iconic manufacturing sites.
