Post by Bazza on Sept 21, 2004 15:02:19 GMT -5
FURIOUS Jaguar workers yesterday vowed to strike over the axing of 1,150 jobs.
They accused the company's owner Ford of breaking its pledge to keep making cars in Coventry.
T&G union chief Tony Woodley said: "Jaguar workers are angry and feel betrayed by the company they have delivered so much for.
"Jaguar has undermined the trust of its workforce by breaking an agreement on the security of the plants. Members are solid in their opposition to closure and are being backed all the way by the union's leadership."
Amicus union leader Derek Simpson added: "The effective closure of the plant goes against the promises made by Ford. We will support and lead our members in whatever action they feel will be best in opposing the cuts.
"We also believe it means the closure of the research and development facility at Whitley and ultimately will jeopardise Jaguar's survival in the UK." Ford unveiled its cuts last Friday, when Coventry's Browns Lane plant was shut due to a four-day working week.
The plans will see production of Jaguars switched to Castle Bromwich in Birmingham.
Only 310 jobs, making wood finishes for Jaguar cars, will stay in Coventry.
Yesterday, workers at Browns Lane, at nearby Whitley and in Castle Bromwich voted to oppose the cuts.
Unions said they would hold further meetings this week at other Ford-owned plants, including those making Land Rovers and Aston Martins.
They accused the company's owner Ford of breaking its pledge to keep making cars in Coventry.
T&G union chief Tony Woodley said: "Jaguar workers are angry and feel betrayed by the company they have delivered so much for.
"Jaguar has undermined the trust of its workforce by breaking an agreement on the security of the plants. Members are solid in their opposition to closure and are being backed all the way by the union's leadership."
Amicus union leader Derek Simpson added: "The effective closure of the plant goes against the promises made by Ford. We will support and lead our members in whatever action they feel will be best in opposing the cuts.
"We also believe it means the closure of the research and development facility at Whitley and ultimately will jeopardise Jaguar's survival in the UK." Ford unveiled its cuts last Friday, when Coventry's Browns Lane plant was shut due to a four-day working week.
The plans will see production of Jaguars switched to Castle Bromwich in Birmingham.
Only 310 jobs, making wood finishes for Jaguar cars, will stay in Coventry.
Yesterday, workers at Browns Lane, at nearby Whitley and in Castle Bromwich voted to oppose the cuts.
Unions said they would hold further meetings this week at other Ford-owned plants, including those making Land Rovers and Aston Martins.