Joint Statement from German Group Works Council, IG Metall as well as the European Works Council of Opel/Vauxhall

The fundamental basis for these talks from the view of all Employee Representation Bodies in European sites must be the unequivocal recognition and implementation of existing agreements for all Opel/Vauxhall sites, in particular, commitments on employment and investments as described within those.

The European Employee Representatives are able to see opportunities arising from the creation of the second-biggest car manufacturer in Europe, which would allow us to influence the challenges arising from the transformation of the European automotive industry.

Nevertheless it will be decisive for the European Employee Representatives, which role the brand and our company, Opel/Vauxhall will have in the PSA organization.

The current existing cooperation with PSA and the resulting outstanding Opel/Vauxhall products (Crossland X and Grandland X) are positively considered by the European Employee  Representatives.

Jörg Köhlinger, IG Metall chairperson of the region Mitte makes clear: “We expect that all tariff agreements will stay valid in case of an acquisition. All employees need this security. We, the IG Metall, will work towards this in the talks. IG Metall, Works Councils and Employees need to be involved in a transparent and fair process.”

Wolfgang Schäfer-Klug, European Works Council Chairman states: “We are prepared to conduct talks with PSA in the case of an acquisition openly and in a constructive manner and to bring those talks to a conclusion as soon as possible. Our objective must be to seize the existing opportunities to safeguard employment and sites to create a successful Opel/Vauxhall. In addition, the public experts should consider the effects their statements and demonstrations in the media are having on the employees and their families. More important than evoking horror scenarios and damaging Opel/Vauxhall is to fight for a good outcome.”