Following the confirmation that JLR is looking to reduce its workforce by 4,000 workers, Unite understands that the company is looking predominantly at cuts to salaried grades and that plans are not expected to impact production workers and the supply chain.
Unite is asking for urgent clarification of the extent and focus of its plans for non-production workers given the current lack of detail about the scope and timeframe.
Unite is also demanding that JLR and the government ensure all possible options are fully explored and utilised to mitigate job losses.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, alongside business secretary Johnny Reynolds will meet with JLR’s chief executive P B Balaji on Tuesday. Separately there are also discussions in play with Richard Parker, the West Midlands mayor.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “While the cuts planned are not expected to impact the UK manufacturing footprint or its supply chain, we need to ensure that no stone is left unturned to mitigate these jobs losses in the highly skilled ‘white collar workforce.’
“There are clearly differences between the messages given to the workforce on timings and scope, from that said at the weekend, that need immediate clarification.
“I have been on speed-dial over the weekend with business secretary Jonny Reynolds to look at how to mitigate these job losses at JLR. We are both meeting the CEO of JLR tomorrow. Mayor Richard Parker is also part of wider discussions.
“Unite was pivotal in securing the £1.5 billion government facility for JLR after the cyber-attack. Once again Unite will be demanding all necessary levers are pulled to support JLR workers. It cannot be acceptable that workers again are made to pay the price for failings not of their making.’
Commenting on the broader background in which these cuts are being planned Unite general secretary Sharon Graham added: “Unite has been warning that a perfect storm has been hanging over the auto industry for years. Death by a thousand cuts has been going on under the noses of successive governments. Years of under investment, unsustainable ZEV mandates and high industrial energy costs are crippling the industry. There must be further action to ensure the industry can succeed.”
Unite recognises that the job losses announcement will be incredibly worrying and stressful for affected workers at JLR. Unite’s activists and officers will be ensuring that members are fully informed and represented throughout this time.
Unite national officer Des Quinn said: “This is an incredibly worrying and stressful time for JLR workers. We are working round the clock to deliver the best possible outcome for our members.”
