My $.02. I hope the folks at BMW haven't forgotten the late '40s when the UK
(which was economically on the ropes) and the US rebuilt Germany instead of
making it into parking lot. And what about all those allied airmen who flew
the Berlin airlift for over a year - many of them veterans of bombing raids
over an "enemy" land? Plus a success would be good for the European Union and
the world econmy. Or does the almighty "buck" in a few pockets only count now?
In a message dated 98-11-28 17:53:48 EST, kstewart@wwdc.com writes:
> > ROVER yesterday reached agreement with unions for a cost-cutting package
> to
> > save the Longbridge plant and introduce German-style work practices
> > throughout the volume car group.
> >
> > Job cuts of at least 2,500 form part of an agreement that would also lead
> > to the disappearance of bonus and overtime payments and open the way for
> > talks with the Government about providing about £200 million in state aid
> > towards the development of a new Mini and a replacement for the 200-400
> > range.
> >
> > The deal was conditional on approval by the 38,500 workforce and the
> board
> > of BMW, the Rover parent, although union leaders and management were
> > confident it would clear the final hurdles.
> >
> > Shop stewards at the Rover plants led the way yesterday, backing the
> plan,
> > after discussion with national officials who flew back from Munich after
> > reaching agreement on the outline of a deal with Bernd Pischetsrieder,
> the
> > BMW chairman. Workers will start voting on the deal next week.
> >
> > Tony Woodley, the Transport and General Workers Union motor industry
> > negotiator, said: "We believe this is a good deal for the company and a
> > good deal for the workers."
> >
> > BMW has made investment of £1.75 billion at Longbridge conditional on the
> > support but unions have pressed the German group for a declaration that
> it
> > remained fully committed to backing Rover and investing in Britain.
> >
> > Peter Mandelson, the Trade and Industry Secretary, provided further signs
> > that the Government was ready to provide financial help. "I am absolutely
> > delighted with this breakthrough," he said. "It is what the Government
> has
> > been working for since the beginning. Of course, the company is not out
> of
> > the woods yet but the basis is there now to create a strong, successful
> > company."
> >
> > Union officials were braced for opposition to some of the changes,
> > including plans for Saturday working and a system of "banking" hours
> > whereby overtime is unpaid during busy periods and time off taken during
> > slack periods.
> >
> > One production worker said: "They have us over a barrel. We have to
> accept
> > the deal or else we will lose our jobs."
>
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