Vauxhall workers protest against planned closure of Luton factory

A two-day demonstration has begun to highlight job losses as Stellantis moves van production to Ellesmere Port

A two-day demonstration has begun to highlight job losses as Stellantis moves van production to Ellesmere Port
Author: Cameron GreenPublished 17th Dec 2024

Workers at Vauxhall’s Luton plant are holding a two-day protest following Stellantis’ plans to close the factory and move electric van production to Ellesmere Port. The decision puts around 1,100 jobs at risk and has drawn criticism from trade unions and political leaders.

The demonstration, which runs from Tuesday to Wednesday, 08:00 to 16:00, includes a rally at midday on Tuesday. Unite union representatives are calling on Stellantis to reverse its decision and for the government to intervene with a rescue plan for the plant.

Unite representative Paul Geary spoke at the protest, warning of the impact on jobs and the local economy.

“If Vauxhall goes in Luton, that’s £315 million lost to the Luton economy. You cannot afford to do it. Luton cannot afford it. The region cannot afford it,”

The announcement to close the plant came after a strategic review by Stellantis. The company plans to consolidate electric van production at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire, citing UK regulations that accelerate the shift to electric vehicles. Under current rules, 10% of van sales must be electric in 2024, with quotas rising each year.

Paul Geary criticised the timing of the decision. “It’s just before Christmas. The plant has stopped production, and all my colleagues, my friends, workers here in Luton have an axe over our head.” He added, “We were planning and setting up to make vehicles from January. Stellantis took that away from us.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham called the closure “needless” and demanded Stellantis withdraw its redundancy deadline to allow proper negotiations. She said: “Shutting the profitable Luton factory when it has just been made ready to produce electric vehicles from 2025 makes no sense.”

Political support for workers has come from Labour MPs, including Sarah Owen, who raised the issue during Prime Minister’s Questions on 11 December. Owen urged Stellantis to reconsider its plans and highlighted the importance of the plant to the region.

Stellantis said it is consulting with unions and has proposed a “comprehensive support plan” for affected workers, including job relocation opportunities to Ellesmere Port.

Up to 200 protesters rallied outside the gates of the factory today

The Luton plant, which opened in 1905, has long been central to the local economy and community.

Unite is continuing to call for government involvement to help secure the plant’s future. Geary concluded: “We’re going to fight. This is just the start of it.”

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