The Hindu Business Line : Ford hopes to resolve pension, job security issues soon

Mumbai, Feb. 9 The meeting between Ford officials and the trade union representatives next week is expected to resolve pension and job security-related issues following the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover.

A union spokesperson from London told Business Line that they (union and Ford officials) had a meeting on Friday, which was inconclusive, and they would be meeting again next week.

The ensuing meeting assumes significance, as the deal is expected to be concluded in the next few weeks. Tata Motors was named as the preferred bidder last month by Ford for its luxury brands — Jaguar and Land Rover.

Tatas also had expressed hope that “both the parties can reach an agreement in the forthcoming weeks”.

“Whether pension scheme would be included in the deal is a subject under discussion. There are certain uncertainties in this regard. And we have made it pretty clear that job security has been a big issue in the present industrial situation in the country,” Mr Andrew Dodgshon, spokesperson of Unite, the largest trade union in the UK told Business Line. “About 40,000 UK jobs are directly or indirectly linked to Land Rover and Jaguar. Security of manufacturing and jobs is our concern,” he said.

When asked about media reports about a meeting between the union and Tatas on Friday, the union official said there was no meeting with Tatas.

A spokesperson of Ford also stated as “speculative” reports about the meeting involving Ford, Tatas, and union officials. “We have been in close communication with our union colleagues throughout the ongoing process. However, we do not comment on the details or timing of any discussions,” Ford spokesperson Mr John Gardiner told Business Line.

“The union has been meeting with Ford and not Tatas and that meeting is now adjourned (Friday). We won’t be making any public comment until it has concluded,” said Unite spokesperson Mr Andrew Dodgshon.

More Stories on : Cars | Trade & Labour Unions | Social Security

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Budget likely to ease merger of private airlines

Auto MNC workers hit training circuit overseas

Cement prices inch up across markets

Niche segments lure IIFT students

Ford hopes to resolve pension, job security issues soon

Market lure: Insurance cos’ exposure to equities on the rise

TRAI may set FDI norms for broadcasting, cable services