How Opel will affect German workers
At least 8,000 auto workers in Germany have walked off the job in protest over GM killing a plan to sell its European unit, Opel. Stephen Beard reports on what will happen to German workers.
A sign, which reads "Don't let Opel die," stands in front of Opel's plant in the western German city of Bochum. (Volker Hartmann/AFP/Getty Images)
More on International, Auto Industry, Europe
Links
- Audio: What's driving German anger at GM?
Richard Milne, European Business Correspondent at the Financial Times, talks with Steve Chiotakis about anything positive that can come out of GM holding onto Opel.
TEXT OF STORY
Bill Radke: Eight thousand auto workers walked out of a General Motors plant this morning. They are furious that GM canceled plans to sell its European unit, Opel, to the Canadian parts maker Magna. The question is: What is going to happen to German auto workers? Marketplace's Stephen Beard has more from London
Stephen Beard: Magna had promised to keep GM's four Opel plants in Germany open. Now GM has scrapped the deal, the workers fear that two of the plants could close. The German government had strongly supported the Magna purchase. And had promised more than $6 billion of state aid. That cash is off the table, for now.
Elmar Brock is a German member of the European Parliament and a close ally of Chancellor Angela Merkel. He says the government and the workers feel betrayed by GM.
ELMAR BROCK: They have broken their word. They have decided positively. And second time they have decided negatively. And this is I think not a good way to build trust with each other.
GM has confirmed that 10,000 jobs will have to go across its European division. It has not revealed where the ax will fall. But it says it needs several billion dollars to pay for the restructuring. Analysts say a number of European countries -- including Germany -- will likely foot the bill.
In London this is Stephen Beard for Marketp[lace.
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