Workers will strike for eight days at the end of April and into May due to a pay dispute
Production at the Mini factory in Cowley (Oxford) could grind to a halt because of strikes caused by pay disputes, a top workers union has said.
Unite, one of the UK’s largest workers unions, has said around 150 workers at Plant Oxford would strike for eight days at the end of April and into May.
The workers, who are employed by logistics firm Rudolph and Hellmann Automotive Limited, are preparing to strike on 26 and 28 April and 4, 6, 10, 12, 17 and 19 May.
“Rudolph and Hellmann Automotive (RHA) Limited and union representatives are in dispute over their wage deal, and as a result their union members have voted to take strike action for up to eight non-consecutive days starting on 26 April,” Mini told Autocar.
“As RHA is the on-site logistics service provider at Plant Oxford, a strike could disrupt production of the Mini.
“RHA and union representatives continue with their negotiations, and these will hopefully come to a workable resolution.”
Unite has said the strikes could have a “significant impact on production at Mini”. It has also disputed suggestions made by Rudolph and Hellmann that the firm is increasing wages by 10%.
Employees at the facility are looking for an hourly rate of £12.50 (up from £11.33) and £13.50 (up from £12.27) for night shifts. Drivers meanwhile are requesting a flat rate of £15.50, up from £13.97 for days and £15.07 for nights.
“Our Rudolph and Hellman members will be receiving Unite’s complete backing during these strikes, which will slow the BMW production line down or stop it completely,” said Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary.
“Unite will not accept a situation whereby BMW’s profits are being made off the backs of low-wage workers in the supply chain.
“Rudolph and Hellman – and BMW – need to start taking account of our members’ rocketing living costs and put forward an offer they can accept.”
Rudolph and Hellman meanwhile has said it has received “official notification” of the strike and that discussions would continue regarding pay and “other terms and conditions”.
Mini closed Plant Oxford for several days in March because of semiconductor shortages and impacts caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Keyword: Strikes at Mini Cowley plant could disrupt production