Workers for auto giant General Motor?s European division accused the company of fomenting dissent among employees at GM?s numerous Opel factories to weaken the labor unions? resolve to resist concessions. The statement, signed by union leaders in seven European countries, signals further deterioration in labor relations for GM as the company seeks to reduce costs and slow production in the face of huge losses in the coming year. GM?s sales in Europe have declined sharply in the last decade with a falling auto market and high labor costs. The unions are hoping for GM to return to open negotiations with the various unions as a unit.
See "GM's European Labor Union Asks for Talks", Vanessa Fuhrmans, The Wall Street Journal, March 20, 2012