Cologne: Ford workers in Germany strike for first time – DW – 05/31/2025
The car manufacturer Ford is in crisis. More than 10,000 workers in Cologne officially went on strike this month for the first time in the plant's 100-year history. Recent changes mean thousands of jobs are at risk.
Wednesday morning, May 14: Gate Four of the Ford plant in Cologne is sealed off with red-and-white barrier tape. On the turnstiles, a couple of sheets of paper announce "Strikebreakers enter through Gate 1." But hardly anyone does so. According to David Lüdtke, the IG-Metall union's employee representative at Ford, more than 10,000 of the 11,500 employees downed tools for those 24 hours.
Thirty-year-old Ahmet Cözmez is a development engineer in Ford's production development department. "We're worried; we're tense and anxious," he told DW.
His grandfather came to Germany in 1970 as a so-called "guest worker," traveling by train from Istanbul to Cologne, where he worked on the Ford assembly line. Cözmez' father was a production worker for the American car manufacturer; he was also a full-time member of the works council, and sat on the Ford supervisory board as an employee representative.
"The Ford DNA is in us," says Cözmez. "Once Ford, always Ford" was the mantra of the older generation in his family: Start work at Ford, and you've a job for life. Now, though, the US company wants to cut 2,900 jobs at this factory in Cologne.
Three generations of Ford workers in Cologne: Mustafa, Ahmet and Süleyman Cözmez Image: Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa/picture alliance
Solidarity with Ford workers
The one-day strike was the first official strike in the Cologne plant's history. There was a wildcat strike by employees from the Turkish community in 1973, but it wasn't organized by an established union.
The Ford workforce were not the only ones out on strike that day. Members of the IG Metall metalworkers' union came from all over Germany to support them, as did workers from the mining and chemicals industries. The strikers even received expressions of solidarity from abroad.
Ahmet Cözmez told DW that while many people were ready to fight for their jobs, there was a great deal of uncertainty.
Ford shows signs of weakness
Industry experts fear that the future for Ford in Europe is looking bleak. "The situation is bad, and the outlook is even worse," said the director of the Bochum Center for Automotive Research (CAR), Ferdinand Dudenhöffer. In his view, Ford is too small a player in the passenger vehicle sector to be profitable in Europe.
Ford's European business has been loss-making for some time now. For years the compact Ford Fiesta passenger car, manufactured in Cologne, was a big commercial success, but production was discontinued in 2023 to make way for electric models.
Ford now manufactures two electric cars in Cologne. However, sales of these have also been much lower than expected, and the company's investment of around €2 billion ($2.3 billion) in the production of the new electric cars has so far not paid off.
The Cologne plant now manufactures electric vehicles, like the Ford Explorer, but sales have fallen short of expectations Image: ROBERTO PFEIL/AFP/Getty Images
"German car manufacturers were late in switching to electromobility," says Anita Wölfl, a specialist at the ifo Center for the Economics of Innovation and Digital Transformation. "It seems Ford is struggling with it even more."
Economic situation affects the automotive industry
Ford clearly isn't the only oneunder pressure. Other car manufacturers, including Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, are also showing signs of weakness.
The automotive sector has been particularly affected by the recent economic downturn. People still have to eat when money is tight — but they can do without buying a new car. Germany is currently in recession for the second year in a row. Wölfl told DW that the entire auto industry was noticing a degree of consumer reticence.
Fear of international consequences
The ripple effect of the Ford crisis in Cologne may also be felt abroad, and a weak German car industry could have consequences for many other sectors worldwide.
"Added to this, there is the Trump effect. The US tariffs on cars and automobile parts are damaging the automobile industry," said Wölfl. "This industry is characterized by a complex, internationally integrated supply chain: "Even if a company is not directly affected, the tariffs could have indirect consequences."
Fighting for security
Despite the poor outlook for Ford, David Lüdtke from IG Metall says the union is still fighting for the future of the company, and to preserve jobs.
Ford Cologne strike over job cuts
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Should they be unsuccessful, IG Metall wants to ensure that all employees receive fair compensation, as well as transfer measures, and a strong security net with insolvency protection. This recently became even more of a priority.
Earlier this year, Ford USA announced a capital injection of billions of euros into its German business. But in doing so, it also terminated the so-called "letter of comfort" it issued in 2006, in which the US parent company guaranteed the financial obligations of its German subsidiary.
IG Metall and the works council fear that the cancellation of the comfort letter means that, although back then they obtained a guarantee that there would be no layoffs before 2032, this assurance may now also be in jeopardy.
Workers' union fights on
In spite of all the uncertainties, the strike does seem to have had an effect. "Although we don't yet have a result, the negotiations have progressed since then, and have moved in our direction," says Lüdtke.
Details have not yet been confirmed, but IG Metall Cologne said it had reached an agreement with the German management on the key points to be addressed in further talks.
"Once they have coordinated with the corporate headquarters in the US, a decision will be taken on how we are to proceed: Whether we will continue to negotiate, or whether there will be further industrial action," said Lüdtke.
This article has been translated from German.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Int'l Business Times
7 hours ago
- Int'l Business Times
The ITIN Lady: Sirius Tax Group Founder Is a Tax Expert Who Puts People First
For many, tax season is a time of stress, confusion, and often, fear. The IRS can feel like an intimidating entity, full of complex rules and red tape. Now imagine facing that same system as a non-U.S. citizen, someone unfamiliar with the intricacies of U.S. tax laws, unsure of how to navigate the requirements. That's where Sydney R. Smith, MBA, CAA, steps in, not just as a tax advisor and professional but as a guide, an advocate, and a reassuring presence in an often overwhelming process. But Sydney, president and founder of Sirius Tax Group , didn't enter the tax industry simply for the numbers. In fact, her approach to tax advisory is built on a deep understanding of culture, human interactions, and the challenges people face when navigating the American tax system, especially those coming from outside the U.S. As a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA), she has spent years guiding international clients through the complexities of obtaining an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and ensuring they meet compliance requirements while setting them up for long-term success. Sydney R. Smith Sydney's deep appreciation for cultural diversity is rooted in her own upbringing. As the daughter of a U.S. Air Force Major, she grew up living around the world. Her father would bring back dolls from Japan, Spain, and other countries, planting the seed for her fascination with international cultures. Even as a young girl watching businesspeople on TV—she told herself: "One day, I'm going to be important just like them." That early exposure to global perspectives shaped her approach to business. Sydney earned her undergraduate degree in management, where she developed a passion for marketing and entrepreneurship. She later pursued an Executive MBA, further solidifying her expertise in cross-border leadership, backstage culture, and international business. Her professional journey has been just as diverse as her upbringing. From running a home-based natural skincare business while raising her children to transitioning into business consulting, she has always prioritized human connection in her work. Sydney states, "I loved working with people. But then I realized that adding tax services into my consulting business is actually working with people and that to be the best consultant, especially for small businesses, I had to add tax. So many professionals in this space forget about the people behind the tax forms. But when you take the time to understand them—their culture, their goals, their fears—you create real solutions." Sydney became a CAA in 2013, a designation that allows her to help foreign nationals obtain ITINs—for those who need to file taxes in the U.S. but aren't eligible for a Social Security Number. It was in this role that she truly found her passion. "Most Americans are intimidated by the IRS. Now imagine being someone new to this country, trying to make sense of it all," she says. "I don't just process paperwork; I educate, I guide, and I reassure my clients that they're in good hands." Her clients come from every corner of the world—India, Saudi Arabia, France, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Australia, Jamaica, and beyond. Each case is unique, requiring tax expertise and an understanding of specific visa characteristics and international norms. Sydney takes the time to understand their short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals. "I always ask my clients, 'Do you have plans to stay in the U.S. long-term? Do you want to bring your family over? Do you eventually want to become a citizen?'" she explains. "When I know what they want, I can develop a tax strategy that aligns with their future." Her role extends far beyond paperwork and tax season. She's helped clients navigate visa-related tax implications and guided them through the steps needed to secure permanent residency. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life has earned her the title of "The ITIN Lady" among her clients and peers. Her fluency in cultural norms is one of her greatest strengths. "Whether it's an H-1B ITIN visa applicant from India, an F-1 student visa holder from Albania, or an O-1 visa holder from Chile, I know the appropriate steps to take, including researching tax treaties," she says. "Every culture navigates conversations differently, and my job is to make them feel comfortable while ensuring they comply with IRS guidance and directives." Sydney is now closely monitoring the proposed Gold Visa introduction and the traction it may gain. While there is a debate and uncertainty, she says, " I think that this proposed visa will run parallel to the EB-5 visa, rather than replace it. Chiefly, because the target audience for both is different. The Gold Visa has a requirement of $5 million, while EB-5 requires $800,000 to $1.05 million." Sydney's impact goes beyond her own clients. She's committed to improving industry standards and educating other professionals in the tax industry. She has presented at industry events, training tax advisors, professionals, and attorneys on best practices for working with ITIN clients. She says, "I'm bridging cultural gaps by sharing my knowledge with other professionals so they can serve their clients with the same level of care and expertise." Looking ahead, Sydney R. Smith remains committed to her dual mission: empowering clients and improving industry norms. To further her mission, she's currently writing a book for tax advisors, professionals, and attorneys. With her book in the works and her continued involvement in educating fellow professionals, she hopes to inspire a new wave of tax experts who harness the human connection. "At the end of the day, this work isn't just about tax codes and compliance," she says. "It's about people—their dreams, their futures, and their journeys. And if I can make that journey easier for them, then I know I'm doing exactly what I was meant to do."
Int'l Business Times
18 hours ago
- Int'l Business Times
Donald Trump Not Happy With Apple CEO Tim Cook's India iPhone Production Plan
Expressing his dismay at Apple CEO Tim Cook's plan to shift some of the iPhone production operations to India, US President Donald Trump categorically emphasised that he 'doesn't want this to happen'. The main Apple iPhone production is in China and there's a good reason for this as the tech giant mass produces its popular iOS models in the Asian country because of workers' manufacturing expertise, the supply chain infrastructure's efficiency, and cheaper labour costs. However, Tim Cook is now considering other countries because of the massive tariffs imposed by the Trump administration in China. According to Mashable SE Asia, Apple is planning to shift some of its iPhone manufacturing operations to India. People familiar with the matter even claimed that the initiative is already underway. Trump disappointed after learning about Tim Cook's plan. 'I had a little problem with Tim Cook,' said the American leader via CNBC. "I said to him, 'My friend, I treated you very good. You're coming here with $500 billion, but now I hear you're building all over India,'" added Trump. With US. tariffs remaining high, it seems like Trump doesn't give Tim Cook any other choice but to rely on India as an alternative. So what does POTUS want? Donald Trump said that he wants Apple to focus its iPhone production in the U.S. During the conference, he said that they treated Tim Cook and his giant firm really well. Trump added that they didn't interfere with Apple building manufacturing plants in China. The US president argued that the administration is not interested in India since it can take care of itself. Donald Trump also argued that India is one of the nations with the highest tariffs. He further stated that India is even willing to remove all tariffs on American products. In April, the White House's trade protectionist policies revealed that the Trump administration has imposed a 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods. But, this was temporarily lowered until July. Instead, POTUS wants Tim Cook to start manufacturing in the U.S. Apple has been designing its iPhones and other products in the U.S. However, the actual assemblies of its devices are outsourced to various manufacturers in China and other countries. Although the tech giant also produces in the U.S., it only manufactures very few products. Originally published on IBTimes UK Donald trump Tim cook Apple
Local Germany
a day ago
- Local Germany
In changing times, young Germans gun for defence sector jobs
That was a "personal turning point," said the 25-year-old studying at the prominent Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, who was spurred into becoming an armed forces reservist and now wants to work for a military equipment manufacturer. "People are beginning to understand that the Bundeswehr (the German armed forces) is now clearly focused on defending the country" and NATO, said the engineering student during a job fair organised by the institute in western Germany. He was among young Germans at the event expressing interest in the defence sector, a sharp break from the past amid growing hostility from Russia as well as concerns about US security commitments to Europe under President Donald Trump. For the first time ever this year, German arms manufacturers -- which are some of the world's biggest but had in the past kept a relatively low profile -- were among exhibitors at the fair as they hunt for staff to meet surging demand. There were some signs of unease, with Germany's biggest weapons maker Rheinmetall pulling out after a handful of students voiced anger at the presence of arms manufacturers. Still, there is a sense the long-running stigma surrounding the sector has eased since the outbreak of the Ukraine war. And the opportunities in the industry may be welcome at a time that Germany's economy is mired in a downturn. The European defence sector employs about 600,000 people and is expected to grow strongly, including in Germany where new Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to greatly ramp up military spending. Advertisement Shifting attitudes "The political discourse we have had since 2022 has led Germans to change their way of seeing things," said Eva Brueckner, a consultant from the headhunting firm Heinrich and Coll, which helps defence companies find staff. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, candidates have expressed fewer ethical and moral concerns about defence sector jobs, she said. Another student at the fair, Nico Haenelt, was enquiring about an internship at the stand of industrial giant Thyssenkrupp's submarine-making unit. While the 19-year-old says his parents had quite a pacifist worldview, recent geopolitical upheavals have shaped his own outlook. "If the world were more peaceful, I would probably also look in other areas," said Haenelt, who studies mechatronics, which mixes elements of engineering and computer science. To attract talent, defence companies are offering perks ranging from paying for relocation costs to gym memberships, according to accounts given to AFP. Diehl, whose products include ammunition and missiles, even offers scholarships to young people to fund their studies in the hope they will subsequently apply for jobs with the company. Advertisement 'Conservative' sector With the German economy struggling, some hope the improving fortunes of the defence sector could provide a boost. There are already signs that arms makers might throw a lifeline to some troubled companies. Rheinmetall, whose profits have soared since the start of the Ukraine war, last year struck a deal to hire workers from Continental as the ailing auto supplier cuts thousands of jobs. Still, beyond the traditional reluctance of young Germans to work in the defence sector due to the country's past, there are other challenges in recruiting for the industry. "The sector is very conservative, and people who don't come from this background may have difficulty integrating," said the headhunter, Brueckner. And not all the students at the job fair were rushing to find jobs in the arms industry. Niklas, a computer science student who only gave his first name, said his priority was to find a job with "meaning", such as in the fields of health or sustainable development. As for the arms industry? "Never", he insisted.
