Unite, the UK's leading union, has demanded Stellantis CEO Carlos
Tavares commit to the future of both Luton and Ellesmere
Port.
Stellantis is expected to conclude a ‘strategic review' into its
UK manufacturing sites later this month and Unite is calling on
the company to end the uncertainty this has caused for hundreds
of workers.
Stellantis CEO Tavares announced the strategic review in July,
citing the potential impact of the government's Zero Emission
Vehicles (ZEV) mandate. Unite is already seeking to improve the
ZEV, but this issue cannot be used as a smokescreen for Tavares'
own corporate mismanagement.
Tavares' ultra-aggressive management strategies have already led
to repeated threats to UK plants and have caused Stellantis
workers in Italy to take national strike action for the first
time in 20 years. Meanwhile, Stellantis workers in the United
States have balloted for industrial action.
Unite members at Luton have delivered on every target that has
been asked of them to prepare the plant to start production of
electric vehicles in 2025. Similarly, Ellesmere Port has already
transitioned to full electric production following negotiations
with Unite reps.
Any decision to threaten either UK plant would be the latest
manifestation of Tavares' brutal campaign of cost cutting to
boost earnings. In addition to unions,
Stellantis investors and dealers have raised the alarm that
Tavares, who will leave his role next year, is taking a
short-termist approach that is damaging the company.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham
said: “It's time for Stellantis to commit to the
future of both the Luton and Ellesmere Port plants and end the
climate of fear and rumour they have created through this
strategic review.
“Carlos Tavares needs to avoid indulging in
counterproductive threats and game playing that will only damage
Stellantis. If he threatens either plant then he will be met with
the collective strength of Unite's members who will have my full,
unequivocal backing and the whole weight of the union behind
them.
“Unite is already having constructive discussions
with government and industry to reform the ZEV mandate to protect
jobs. Much more must be done, but the transition to
electrification will not be achieved by threatening
workers.”
