Unite, the union for automotive workers, has called on Stellantis to halt the planned closure of the Vauxhall van plant in Luton following the resignation of CEO Carlos Tavares.
The union is meeting with management on Friday to discuss counterproposals to site closure with Unite calling Tavares’ exit a moment for the company to “turn the page” on years of “failed and “aggressive anti-worker strategies”.
Stellantis announced the planned closure of the historic Luton van plant in late November. The plant is highly profitable and is ready to begin production of the electric Vivaro van from 2025 after workers met every manufacturing cost target asked of them by Tavares, without impacting jobs, pay or conditions.
Last week, Mr Tavares resigned a year earlier than expected. The planned closure of Luton is one of his final actions and Unite say it must be halted as the Stellantis embarks on the hunt for a new CEO and a new direction.
Sharon Graham, Unite General Secretary, said: “The exit of CEO Carlos Tavares is an opportunity for Stellantis to turn the page on years of aggressive anti-worker strategies which now threaten to close a profitable plant which is ready to produce thousands of electric vans next year.
“Unite shop stewards will table counter proposals to management this week, but workers cannot negotiate with a gun to their heads. Stellantis must withdraw the HR1 redundancy notices immediately so workers, management and government can negotiate the future of this vital electric vehicle factory.”
Luton-based campaign group, Save Our Town, have also called for the closure consultation process to stop in light of the resignation of Mr Taveres, writing on social media they said: “A Stellantis statement has said that a replacement is expected by the middle of 2025. In these circumstances it is inconceivable that Stellantis continue with the closure. We call for the immediate postponement of the Luton plant plans.”
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