Union leaders take the initiative regarding Vauxhall
Union leaders are this week expected to hold face-to-face talks with Magna, the company which is in the process of acquiring GM Europe which in turn owns the Vauxhall franchise. Amid signs that Magna is looking to reduce costs associated with running GM Europe there is concern that we could see thousands of jobs lost in the UK in the short to medium term.
There are also a number of trade agreements coming to an end over the next five years and many people are seriously concerned about the future of Vauxhall in the UK. These face-to-face talks with representatives from Magna will be the first chance that UK unions have had to become involved in the situation. The UK government has had something of a minor role until now with the German government having taken control due to the company's high exposure to that country.
However, now that the German authorities have effectively safeguarded German jobs they are calling upon EU partners to contribute towards the multibillion euro loan which the German authorities agreed with Magna. Whether the UK authorities will agree to participate in the loan without job security for the vast number of UK workers is highly debatable.
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