Protests Erupt at Ford's Köln Facility Amid Job Cuts and Management Discontent

Köln, Germany - Tensions have escalated at Ford's Köln facility, where approximately 100 employees gathered for a protest against the company's management amid ongoing job reductions and dissatisfaction with leadership. The demonstration took place on the evening of March 12, 2025, as workers expressed their concerns over the future of the site, which has been a significant part of Ford's operations in Germany for nearly a century.

During the protest, employees carried torches and voiced their grievances, with a projector displaying the message "F*** you - we remain" on the side of a building, showcasing the anger felt by the workforce. This demonstration comes in the wake of the company exiting the financial protection umbrella provided by its American parent corporation, a move that has intensified pressure on employees.

David Lüdtke, a representative from the IG Metall union at Ford, highlighted the growing discontent among workers, urging management to disclose their plans for the future. He emphasized that the site risks a "slow demise," pointing to a previously announced reduction of 2,900 jobs over the next three years. The current workforce has dwindled from 18,500 to 12,700 within the last three years, raising alarm over the lack of new projects in both development and production departments.

The end of the patronage agreement, under which Ford's U.S. headquarters had guaranteed the debts of its German subsidiary, has further complicated the situation, leading to fears of potential insolvency. Lüdtke described this termination as a severe threat, indicating that the future of the Köln facility is now in jeopardy.

In light of these developments, the IG Metall union has vowed to stand firm against management pressures, asserting that the recent actions by the employer have only heightened the resolve of the workforce to engage in collective actions if necessary. A company-wide assembly is scheduled for later this week to further discuss the situation and outline potential next steps for the workers.