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Transportation equipment industry

Land Rover Workers Set to End Wildcat Industrial Action Amid Landmark BMW Investment

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A vote is expected to end industrial action at the Land Rover factory in Solihull, where workers have been protesting over new shift arrangements proposed by BMW. The move comes as the company receives a major investment from BMW, worth over £3 billion, which is set to boost the local economy. The compromise deal, hammered out in peace negotiations, would see the introduction of 5:30 pm to 11:30 pm Friday shifts, without extra pay. The investment announcement has been welcomed by local business leaders, who see it as a major step towards securing the future of the Rover Birmingham plant.

Key Takeaways:

  • 10,000-strong workforce at the Land Rover factory in Solihull is due to vote on ending industrial action over new shift arrangements.
  • The ballot result is expected to be declared later today, following a compromise deal on Friday night shift arrangements.
  • Two days of peace negotiations resulted in an outline deal on the shift controversy, which led to wildcat action in recent weeks.
  • Dieter Udelhoven, Land Rover boss, issued a hardline letter to dissidents, leading to disciplinary action and the docking of pay for around 200 workers.
  • Tony Woodley, top union negotiator, warned that rebels must abide by the flexible working agreement hammered out before Christmas.
  • The £3 billion investment in Rover by BMW is set to boost the local economy and secure the future of the Rover Birmingham plant.
  • Councillor Gerard Coyne, chairman of Birmingham City Council's Urban, Economic and Regeneration Group Committee, welcomed the investment as a major step forward.

Statistics:

  • 10,000-strong workforce at the Land Rover factory in Solihull.
  • £3 billion investment in Rover by BMW over the next five years.
  • Around 200 workers took part in unofficial walkouts, leading to disciplinary action and the docking of pay.
  • 2 days of peace negotiations resulted in an outline deal on the shift controversy.
  • 5:30 pm to 11:30 pm Friday shifts are proposed by BMW without extra pay.

Sources:

  • "THOUSANDS of Land Rover workers were today expected to back a vote to end wildcat industrial action." - Source: The Guardian
  • The announcement of the £3 billion investment in Rover by BMW - Source: Reuters
  • Quote from Tony Woodley, top union negotiator - Source: The Times
  • Quote from Councillor Gerard Coyne, chairman of Birmingham City Council's Urban, Economic and Regeneration Group Committee - Source: Birmingham Mail

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