European unions join fight to save Honda’s Swindon plant


European unions representing Honda workers have joined with the Unite union in the UK to help save Honda’s Swindon plant from closure amid fears that it could herald more closures across the continent.


A meeting convened by industriALL — a federation of European industrial unions — discussed “ongoing solidarity actions”, which have already included plant stoppages.


Unite last month urged the government to invest in the industry after figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showed demand for new cars falling by 3.4% in March.


Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner said: “The government’s Brexit chaos, weakening global demand and ministers’ demonisation of diesel are all combining to put the jewel in the crown of UK manufacturing in the slow lane.” He added that ministers must start properly supporting the transition to electric and alternative powered vehicles “with the massive investment needed to make the UK a world leader”. 


The union said thousands of people joined a march and rally in Swindon on 30 March to call on Honda to think again about the closure.

http://unitelive.org/international-solidarity-honda-march

http://unitelive.org/nick-hewer-honda-crisis-swindon