Workers at two Ford plants in Cologne launched a 24-hour strike Wednesday in response to planned layoffs affecting thousands across the company’s European operations. The action comes amid broader job cuts in the auto industry as manufacturers face rising competition from China, slowing demand, and the high costs of electrification. Labor leaders say the strike significantly disrupted production and are urging Ford to return to negotiations. Without movement from management, union representatives warn that further strikes are likely.
See "Workers strike in protest against job cuts at Ford Germany", Rachel More, Reuters, May 14, 2025