Bridgend to ballot on strike action

Ford workers in Bridgend will be balloted over potential strike action after it was announced the plant will close next year.

Unite and GMB will hold mass meetings on Friday after the unions warned they would take the step if either compulsory redundancies are made, or if the plant closes.

In a letter to workers, they said, ‘Colleagues, after the devastating news of the proposal to shut our plant, we have arranged for mass meetings on Friday, June 14, 2019, on the morning shift and afternoons, the Friday night shift will be expected to drop back onto either morning or afternoon shift. Times will be communicated this week.

‘For those on alternative shift pattern (ie four shifts) then you can also come on site to attend the meeting. There will be a consultative ballot straight after the meeting. Solidarity.’

Ford has said, ‘Employees aged 55 or above at the date of separation will be eligible to leave the company with an immediate non-actuarially reduced pension. Employees aged 45-55 at the date of separation will be eligible to leave the company with non-actuarially reduced pension payable from the minimum retirement age (currently 55).

‘Employees under age 45 at the date of separation will be eligible to a preserved pension payable at aged 65.’