Unite, the union for automotive workers, is calling for an urgent halt to the closure of Stellantis’ Luton plant following the resignation of chief executive Carlos Tavares.
Tavares walked away from Stellantis following a shock exit from the business at the start of the month.
The union is meeting with Stellantis’ management tomorrow (December 6) 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 strategies”.
Stellantis announced the planned closure of its Luton van plant in late November, with approximately 1,100 jobs at risk.
The plant was preparing to begin production of the electric Vivaro van from 2025.
Unite said workers at the plant “met every manufacturing cost target asked of them by Tavares, without impacting jobs, pay or conditions”.
Recent boardroom clashes at the vehicle manufacturer, which owns a portfolio of brands from Alfa Romeo and Citroen to Peugeot and Vauxhall, led to Tavares (pictured left) offering his resignation, which the board accepted.
Tavares led an efficiency and profit-seeking drive at the group since it was formed in 2021 by the merger of PSA Group and FCA, however its sales volume has declined and the group has received some criticism for not producing more affordable models.
Tavares came under criticism earlier this year after Stellantis issued a profit warning on its 2024 results, mostly blaming slow sales and bloating inventories in its key North American market.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “The exit of 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 the Government can negotiate the future of this vital electric vehicle factory.”
