News Briefing
FORD - Concern among workers
 |
| David Dyke |
WORKERS arrived at the giant Ford plant yesterday with heavy hearts and still no news about their jobs.
Many said they feared staff and production cuts and criticised the company for not giving them more information.
One man prepared to stick his head over the parapet was
57-year-old David Dyke, pictured, of Woolston, who has been working at the Ford plant for more than 30 years.
He said: "All we are hearing are a lot of I don't knows' and it has made the atmosphere at work very depressing.
"People used to think they had a job for life if they worked for Ford and we have a lot of young family men here who thought that was the case when they started. I'm worried about what the future may hold for them.
"We have all heard the rumours about work going to Turkey and it certainly could happen. It doesn't sound positive, does it?
"Southampton is the home of the Transit and it should stay this way."
Mr Dyke said he felt that if the company moved to Turkey it would be a purely commercial decision.
Another worker, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "I think the plant will be shutting. I just can't see that it will be viable to carry on here when labour costs will probably be cheaper in countries like Turkey.
"It has becoming a quite depressing place to work and after seeing that employee bulletin I think the plant's days are numbered."
His sentiments were echoed by a third worker, who said: "The only way the plant can survive is if we get the Transit. If there is no Transit there is no plant. The atmosphere has been bad recently as everyone is worried about losing their jobs."
Other people said they felt Ford was scaremongering as a pay deal is currently under way, while others said they had no idea what was going to happen and had been told little.
The Daily Echo took these rumours to Ford, who refused to say whether the company was considering heavy cuts or give details about any other options being considered.
A spokesman said he couldn't comment on whether work would be lost from the Southampton plant and if so
where it would be likely to go.
However, he did confirm that the Kocaeli plant in Turkey currently assembles traditional Transits and Transit Connects, and that from 2009 the Craiova plant in Romania would be assembling Transit Connects.
READ MORE IN TODAY'S DAILY ECHO
Background Ford stories in News Briefing
10:51am Friday 11th July 2008
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CommentPosted by: goard, Soton Ford on 11:06am Fri 11 Jul 08
I bet that land will be invaluable to the Airport? It sends shivers down my spine what goes on behind the scenes, but then I am suspicious of anything to do with valuable land. In any case this is what happens when the outside world dig their tendicles into whatever country is inviting a free market.
I often wonder whether the encumbent Government rue the day they invite these firm in - after all can one imagine the enormous outlay they have to pay for staff to be on the dole.
goard
I bet that land will be invaluable to the Airport? It sends shivers down my spine what goes on behind the scenes, but then I am suspicious of anything to do with valuable land. In any case this is what happens when the outside world dig their tendicles into whatever country is inviting a free market.
I often wonder whether the encumbent Government rue the day they invite these firm in - after all can one imagine the enormous outlay they have to pay for staff to be on the dole.
goard
Posted by: Surely not, Hythe on 11:21am Fri 11 Jul 08
[quote][bold]goard[/bold] wrote:
I bet that land will be invaluable to the Airport? It sends shivers down my spine what goes on behind the scenes, but then I am suspicious of anything to do with valuable land. In any case this is what happens when the outside world dig their tendicles into whatever country is inviting a free market.
I often wonder whether the encumbent Government rue the day they invite these firm in - after all can one imagine the enormous outlay they have to pay for staff to be on the dole.
goard[/quote] Wouldn't the small matter of the M27 restrict the value of the Ford site to any airport expansion plans?
goard wrote:
I bet that land will be invaluable to the Airport? It sends shivers down my spine what goes on behind the scenes, but then I am suspicious of anything to do with valuable land. In any case this is what happens when the outside world dig their tendicles into whatever country is inviting a free market.
I often wonder whether the encumbent Government rue the day they invite these firm in - after all can one imagine the enormous outlay they have to pay for staff to be on the dole.
goard
Wouldn't the small matter of the M27 restrict the value of the Ford site to any airport expansion plans?
Posted by: Truth Merchant on 12:03pm Fri 11 Jul 08
Unfortantly they have priced themselves out of the market, by striking for more wages, benifits etc.
I dont care.
Unfortantly they have priced themselves out of the market, by striking for more wages, benifits etc.
I dont care.
Posted by: Astra on 12:04pm Fri 11 Jul 08
[bold]still no news about their jobs[/bold] .
Unless they buy the Echo.
& it wouldn't be the first time a runway went over a motorway
still no news about their jobs .
Unless they buy the Echo.
& it wouldn't be the first time a runway went over a motorway
Posted by: southy, redbridge on 12:05pm Fri 11 Jul 08
when you really think about it no the m27 would't,they can do what some other airports have done,use it for car parking or for some sort of building for the airport or both and run a tunnel under the m27.
when you really think about it no the m27 would't,they can do what some other airports have done,use it for car parking or for some sort of building for the airport or both and run a tunnel under the m27.
Posted by: hulla, baloo on 12:23pm Fri 11 Jul 08
[quote][bold]southy[/bold] wrote:
when you really think about it no the m27 would't,they can do what some other airports have done,use it for car parking or for some sort of building for the airport or both and run a tunnel under the m27.[/quote] Possible, but we are talking about a local/regional airport and the expanse of land at Fords will not justify the small airport.
However, should the airport also buy the other end from the rail company and extend the runway, well, bring on the bigger planes.
southy wrote:
when you really think about it no the m27 would't,they can do what some other airports have done,use it for car parking or for some sort of building for the airport or both and run a tunnel under the m27.
Possible, but we are talking about a local/regional airport and the expanse of land at Fords will not justify the small airport.
However, should the airport also buy the other end from the rail company and extend the runway, well, bring on the bigger planes.
Posted by: Keith Oftergrass on 12:53pm Fri 11 Jul 08
Next time you're driving past this factory, take a look in the car park. You'll see most of the cars are not actually Fords - where is the company loyalty shown by the employees ?
This wouldn't happen in France, Germany or any other major car producer.
These guys are all take, take, take and now they're going to get their comeuppance.
Next time you're driving past this factory, take a look in the car park. You'll see most of the cars are not actually Fords - where is the company loyalty shown by the employees ?
This wouldn't happen in France, Germany or any other major car producer.
These guys are all take, take, take and now they're going to get their comeuppance.
Posted by: Big cog on 12:56pm Fri 11 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Surely not[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]goard[/bold] wrote: I bet that land will be invaluable to the Airport? It sends shivers down my spine what goes on behind the scenes, but then I am suspicious of anything to do with valuable land. In any case this is what happens when the outside world dig their tendicles into whatever country is inviting a free market. I often wonder whether the encumbent Government rue the day they invite these firm in - after all can one imagine the enormous outlay they have to pay for staff to be on the dole. goard[/quote] Wouldn't the small matter of the M27 restrict the value of the Ford site to any airport expansion plans?[/quote] When you next drive past on the M27 you will note that the road level is below that of the runway. It would be possible to cover the motorway and extend the airfield or create a new terminal building on the Ford's site.
All sorts of possibilities. One thing I doubt would happen is housing - who would buy a new house at the end of a runway?
(thinks - actually all sorts of people do that and then complain about the noise).
Surely not wrote:
goard wrote: I bet that land will be invaluable to the Airport? It sends shivers down my spine what goes on behind the scenes, but then I am suspicious of anything to do with valuable land. In any case this is what happens when the outside world dig their tendicles into whatever country is inviting a free market. I often wonder whether the encumbent Government rue the day they invite these firm in - after all can one imagine the enormous outlay they have to pay for staff to be on the dole. goard
Wouldn't the small matter of the M27 restrict the value of the Ford site to any airport expansion plans?
When you next drive past on the M27 you will note that the road level is below that of the runway. It would be possible to cover the motorway and extend the airfield or create a new terminal building on the Ford's site.
All sorts of possibilities. One thing I doubt would happen is housing - who would buy a new house at the end of a runway?
(thinks - actually all sorts of people do that and then complain about the noise).
Posted by: Poet Laurete on 1:08pm Fri 11 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Keith Oftergrass[/bold] wrote:
Next time you're driving past this factory, take a look in the car park. You'll see most of the cars are not actually Fords - where is the company loyalty shown by the employees ? This wouldn't happen in France, Germany or any other major car producer. These guys are all take, take, take and now they're going to get their comeuppance.[/quote] David Dyke,
Has an electric bike.
Keith Oftergrass wrote:
Next time you're driving past this factory, take a look in the car park. You'll see most of the cars are not actually Fords - where is the company loyalty shown by the employees ? This wouldn't happen in France, Germany or any other major car producer. These guys are all take, take, take and now they're going to get their comeuppance.
David Dyke,
Has an electric bike.
Posted by: Big cog on 1:10pm Fri 11 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Keith Oftergrass[/bold] wrote:
Next time you're driving past this factory, take a look in the car park. You'll see most of the cars are not actually Fords - where is the company loyalty shown by the employees ? This wouldn't happen in France, Germany or any other major car producer. These guys are all take, take, take and now they're going to get their comeuppance.[/quote] You are on to something here - and that truth hurts many.
Keith Oftergrass wrote:
Next time you're driving past this factory, take a look in the car park. You'll see most of the cars are not actually Fords - where is the company loyalty shown by the employees ? This wouldn't happen in France, Germany or any other major car producer. These guys are all take, take, take and now they're going to get their comeuppance.
You are on to something here - and that truth hurts many.
Posted by: mydadworksatfords, soton on 1:11pm Fri 11 Jul 08
what crap, so if you work in tesco you should only shop in tesco, you chuffin donut.get into the real world, get back on the grass
what crap, so if you work in tesco you should only shop in tesco, you chuffin donut.get into the real world, get back on the grass
Posted by: Big cog on 1:39pm Fri 11 Jul 08
[quote][bold]mydadworksatfords[/bold] wrote:
what crap, so if you work in tesco you should only shop in tesco, you chuffin donut.get into the real world, get back on the grass [/quote] However it says a lot when few Ford employees seem to be driving Ford cars - and there are generous discounts for staff (yes my dad worked there too).
mydadworksatfords wrote:
what crap, so if you work in tesco you should only shop in tesco, you chuffin donut.get into the real world, get back on the grass
However it says a lot when few Ford employees seem to be driving Ford cars - and there are generous discounts for staff (yes my dad worked there too).
Posted by: Homer Simpson on 1:44pm Fri 11 Jul 08
[quote][bold]mydadworksatfords[/bold] wrote:
what crap, so if you work in tesco you should only shop in tesco, you chuffin donut.get into the real world, get back on the grass [/quote] Do Tesco do Chuffin Donuts too now?
Are they next to the Krispy Kremes?
mydadworksatfords wrote:
what crap, so if you work in tesco you should only shop in tesco, you chuffin donut.get into the real world, get back on the grass
Do Tesco do Chuffin Donuts too now?
Are they next to the Krispy Kremes?
Posted by: southy, redbridge on 1:59pm Fri 11 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Keith Oftergrass[/bold] wrote:
Next time you're driving past this factory, take a look in the car park. You'll see most of the cars are not actually Fords - where is the company loyalty shown by the employees ?
This wouldn't happen in France, Germany or any other major car producer.
These guys are all take, take, take and now they're going to get their comeuppance.[/quote] if you go over to france at any of the 3 main car makers you will find they are the same, all sorts of cars from all diffrent companys,and its the same all over europe
Keith Oftergrass wrote:
Next time you're driving past this factory, take a look in the car park. You'll see most of the cars are not actually Fords - where is the company loyalty shown by the employees ?
This wouldn't happen in France, Germany or any other major car producer.
These guys are all take, take, take and now they're going to get their comeuppance.
if you go over to france at any of the 3 main car makers you will find they are the same, all sorts of cars from all diffrent companys,and its the same all over europe
Posted by: ex-Ford worker on 2:17pm Fri 11 Jul 08
[quote][bold]southy[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Keith Oftergrass[/bold] wrote: Next time you're driving past this factory, take a look in the car park. You'll see most of the cars are not actually Fords - where is the company loyalty shown by the employees ? This wouldn't happen in France, Germany or any other major car producer. These guys are all take, take, take and now they're going to get their comeuppance.[/quote] if you go over to france at any of the 3 main car makers you will find they are the same, all sorts of cars from all diffrent companys,and its the same all over europe[/quote] There has been a greater stigma with driving "foreign" cars in other countries than the UK - the statistics prove that.
We (UK) were just ahead of the curve - with little manufacturing left to call upon if we all decided to buy British tomorrow. Of course we have cars from the far East made in the UK now. There is little to choose between Honda and Ford in the UK.
Why haven't I owned a Ford in 23 years? Well the cars I have driven are cheaper, more reliable and come with longer warranties.
southy wrote:
Keith Oftergrass wrote: Next time you're driving past this factory, take a look in the car park. You'll see most of the cars are not actually Fords - where is the company loyalty shown by the employees ? This wouldn't happen in France, Germany or any other major car producer. These guys are all take, take, take and now they're going to get their comeuppance.
if you go over to france at any of the 3 main car makers you will find they are the same, all sorts of cars from all diffrent companys,and its the same all over europe
There has been a greater stigma with driving "foreign" cars in other countries than the UK - the statistics prove that.
We (UK) were just ahead of the curve - with little manufacturing left to call upon if we all decided to buy British tomorrow. Of course we have cars from the far East made in the UK now. There is little to choose between Honda and Ford in the UK.
Why haven't I owned a Ford in 23 years? Well the cars I have driven are cheaper, more reliable and come with longer warranties.
Posted by: M&S, Hedge End on 2:41pm Fri 11 Jul 08
[italic]so if you work in tesco you should only shop in tesco[/italic]
[bold]With the low wages it would be Aldi & Primark[/bold]
so if you work in tesco you should only shop in tesco
With the low wages it would be Aldi & Primark Posted by: southy, redbridge on 2:44pm Fri 11 Jul 08
dont for get that most of the world subsidized there company's,where in the uk this dont happen any more, that was stop in the 80's
dont for get that most of the world subsidized there company's,where in the uk this dont happen any more, that was stop in the 80's
Posted by: Taunus, soton on 3:32pm Fri 11 Jul 08
How many people work at Ford's - I was once told it was about half.
How many people work at Ford's - I was once told it was about half.
Posted by: EUman, soton on 3:35pm Fri 11 Jul 08
Bloody knew it - soon as someone mention donuts - Southy would emerge.
Bloody knew it - soon as someone mention donuts - Southy would emerge.
Posted by: southy, redbridge on 3:51pm Fri 11 Jul 08
well stop hogging the donuts and pass them around,and while your at it make the teas
well stop hogging the donuts and pass them around,and while your at it make the teas
Posted by: Me, Mu Mu Land on 4:42pm Fri 11 Jul 08
[quote][bold]southy[/bold] wrote:
dont for get that most of the world subsidized there company's,where in the uk this dont happen any more, that was stop in the 80's[/quote] And don't forget the high cost of exporting, company tax, fuel etc and the fact that this country seems dead set on squeezing all the manufacturing out the UK.
Just look at all the manufacturing firms who have moved away from the UK - coincidence?
southy wrote:
dont for get that most of the world subsidized there company's,where in the uk this dont happen any more, that was stop in the 80's
And don't forget the high cost of exporting, company tax, fuel etc and the fact that this country seems dead set on squeezing all the manufacturing out the UK.
Just look at all the manufacturing firms who have moved away from the UK - coincidence?
Posted by: Plant Manager, In my office playing Solitaire on 4:54pm Fri 11 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Truth Merchant[/bold] wrote:
Unfortantly they have priced themselves out of the market, by striking for more wages, benifits etc. I dont care.[/quote] No one has gone on strike ? where are you getting this information from ?
As for wage, pay rises and benifits thats a country wide system of negotiation not just a internal plant thing.
Hope this clears up any confusion you have.
Truth Merchant wrote:
Unfortantly they have priced themselves out of the market, by striking for more wages, benifits etc. I dont care.
No one has gone on strike ? where are you getting this information from ?
As for wage, pay rises and benifits thats a country wide system of negotiation not just a internal plant thing.
Hope this clears up any confusion you have.
Posted by: man on the inside, Hiding from Ford Bosses on 5:01pm Fri 11 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Big cog[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Surely not[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]goard[/bold] wrote: I bet that land will be invaluable to the Airport? It sends shivers down my spine what goes on behind the scenes, but then I am suspicious of anything to do with valuable land. In any case this is what happens when the outside world dig their tendicles into whatever country is inviting a free market. I often wonder whether the encumbent Government rue the day they invite these firm in - after all can one imagine the enormous outlay they have to pay for staff to be on the dole. goard[/quote] Wouldn't the small matter of the M27 restrict the value of the Ford site to any airport expansion plans?[/quote] When you next drive past on the M27 you will note that the road level is below that of the runway. It would be possible to cover the motorway and extend the airfield or create a new terminal building on the Ford's site. All sorts of possibilities. One thing I doubt would happen is housing - who would buy a new house at the end of a runway? (thinks - actually all sorts of people do that and then complain about the noise).[/quote] Fact. A well know Portmouth banana company recently bough some land on the ford site and lease it back to ford (I believe it's located just by the end of the runway/ know as the scrap yard area) plus Ford also own some of the land still. The only part that the airport own is "A" Building (where the main offices are) which is due for lease sometime soon.
This is what i've heard and might not be 100%. But im sure there is some truth in what i've written
Big cog wrote:
Surely not wrote: goard wrote: I bet that land will be invaluable to the Airport? It sends shivers down my spine what goes on behind the scenes, but then I am suspicious of anything to do with valuable land. In any case this is what happens when the outside world dig their tendicles into whatever country is inviting a free market. I often wonder whether the encumbent Government rue the day they invite these firm in - after all can one imagine the enormous outlay they have to pay for staff to be on the dole. goard
Wouldn't the small matter of the M27 restrict the value of the Ford site to any airport expansion plans?
When you next drive past on the M27 you will note that the road level is below that of the runway. It would be possible to cover the motorway and extend the airfield or create a new terminal building on the Ford's site. All sorts of possibilities. One thing I doubt would happen is housing - who would buy a new house at the end of a runway? (thinks - actually all sorts of people do that and then complain about the noise).
Fact. A well know Portmouth banana company recently bough some land on the ford site and lease it back to ford (I believe it's located just by the end of the runway/ know as the scrap yard area) plus Ford also own some of the land still. The only part that the airport own is "A" Building (where the main offices are) which is due for lease sometime soon.
This is what i've heard and might not be 100%. But im sure there is some truth in what i've written
Posted by: southy, redbridge on 5:26pm Fri 11 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Me[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]southy[/bold] wrote:
dont for get that most of the world subsidized there company\'s,where in the uk this dont happen any more, that was stop in the 80\'s[/quote] And don\'t forget the high cost of exporting, company tax, fuel etc and the fact that this country seems dead set on squeezing all the manufacturing out the UK.
Just look at all the manufacturing firms who have moved away from the UK - coincidence?[/quote] i know that because their goverments are willing to subsidize that company to move there,and keep on subsidize them while they stay there,and like i said once we have lost all are manufacturing,this country will drop to a 3rd world country,then what all them office workers going to,they have no jobs to.
Me wrote:
southy wrote:
dont for get that most of the world subsidized there company\'s,where in the uk this dont happen any more, that was stop in the 80\'s
And don\'t forget the high cost of exporting, company tax, fuel etc and the fact that this country seems dead set on squeezing all the manufacturing out the UK.
Just look at all the manufacturing firms who have moved away from the UK - coincidence?
i know that because their goverments are willing to subsidize that company to move there,and keep on subsidize them while they stay there,and like i said once we have lost all are manufacturing,this country will drop to a 3rd world country,then what all them office workers going to,they have no jobs to.
Posted by: mydadworksatfords, soton on 6:50pm Fri 11 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Homer Simpson[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]mydadworksatfords[/bold] wrote: what crap, so if you work in tesco you should only shop in tesco, you chuffin donut.get into the real world, get back on the grass [/quote] Do Tesco do Chuffin Donuts too now? Are they next to the Krispy Kremes?[/quote] you should chuffin know!!!!
Homer Simpson wrote:
mydadworksatfords wrote: what crap, so if you work in tesco you should only shop in tesco, you chuffin donut.get into the real world, get back on the grass
Do Tesco do Chuffin Donuts too now? Are they next to the Krispy Kremes?
you should chuffin know!!!!
Posted by: mydadworksatfords, soton on 6:53pm Fri 11 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Big cog[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]mydadworksatfords[/bold] wrote: what crap, so if you work in tesco you should only shop in tesco, you chuffin donut.get into the real world, get back on the grass [/quote] However it says a lot when few Ford employees seem to be driving Ford cars - and there are generous discounts for staff (yes my dad worked there too). [/quote] methinks you need your eyes tested there are many ford cars parked here, if your father works at fords then you would know they also use agency staff, not strictly all fords employess.
Big cog wrote:
mydadworksatfords wrote: what crap, so if you work in tesco you should only shop in tesco, you chuffin donut.get into the real world, get back on the grass
However it says a lot when few Ford employees seem to be driving Ford cars - and there are generous discounts for staff (yes my dad worked there too).
methinks you need your eyes tested there are many ford cars parked here, if your father works at fords then you would know they also use agency staff, not strictly all fords employess.
Posted by: mydadworksatfords, soton on 6:57pm Fri 11 Jul 08
[quote][bold]M&S[/bold] wrote:
[italic]so if you work in tesco you should only shop in tesco[/italic] [bold]With the low wages it would be Aldi & Primark[/bold] [/quote] sooo true!!
M&S wrote:
so if you work in tesco you should only shop in tesco With the low wages it would be Aldi & Primark
sooo true!!
Posted by: Finlay, Des Moines - Iowa on 8:03pm Fri 11 Jul 08
[bold]How ironic![/bold]
Instead of turkeys going to Ford - Ford is going to Turkey
Hey! You dont think its cos the wage demands are about a fifth of in Southampton do you? If you love working on Ford vans then follow them to sunny Turkey and stop whining - Oops! I forgot that few production workers are not skilled are they so surplus to requirements -
Happy Recession guys!
Its booming here - Cant get enough skilled people
How ironic!
Instead of turkeys going to Ford - Ford is going to Turkey
Hey! You dont think its cos the wage demands are about a fifth of in Southampton do you? If you love working on Ford vans then follow them to sunny Turkey and stop whining - Oops! I forgot that few production workers are not skilled are they so surplus to requirements -
Happy Recession guys!
Its booming here - Cant get enough skilled people
Posted by: FORD-BREGADE, FORD-LOCKER ROOM on 8:32pm Fri 11 Jul 08
WHAT A LOAD OF B*LLOCKS
Posted by: www.ford.com, southampton on 8:50pm Fri 11 Jul 08
Ford has helped the economy in southampton for decades. Sub contractors for food, transport, parts for manufacturing, medical staff, social club etc. etc. etc. Not just ford workers will be affected if it shuts down but all the other forks feeding the plant.
But, Turkey is cheaper, wages lower, plant built nearer the port and without the port charges which Southampton have stipulated.
I have worked for fords for more than 20 years so I know that even with the government legal statuary redundancy I will be ok but what about all the others with young families, mortgages etc. If we were in france, germany, italy, spain etc. this could not happen without ford's having to put their hands in their pockets for re-training etc.
good luck chaps working at fords. Now when they beg you to work lunch breaks and overtime and go on and on about quality, why would the workers sweat blood for a company who doesn't give a TISH about them.... read that backwards !
Ford has helped the economy in southampton for decades. Sub contractors for food, transport, parts for manufacturing, medical staff, social club etc. etc. etc. Not just ford workers will be affected if it shuts down but all the other forks feeding the plant.
But, Turkey is cheaper, wages lower, plant built nearer the port and without the port charges which Southampton have stipulated.
I have worked for fords for more than 20 years so I know that even with the government legal statuary redundancy I will be ok but what about all the others with young families, mortgages etc. If we were in france, germany, italy, spain etc. this could not happen without ford's having to put their hands in their pockets for re-training etc.
good luck chaps working at fords. Now when they beg you to work lunch breaks and overtime and go on and on about quality, why would the workers sweat blood for a company who doesn't give a TISH about them.... read that backwards !
Posted by: robert painton on 10:14pm Fri 11 Jul 08
many moons ago before my 32+ years in the tish hole(i think he meant tihs but he is a ford worker like me)my troop motto was SNAFU when asked what this meant when we were looking after are Irish friends i informed the General that it was SITUATION NORMAL ALL FCUKED UP(sorry about the spelling you know why) funny how the world goes round hope i get out of this one but with my recent luck i don't think so just more tihs to swim in
many moons ago before my 32+ years in the tish hole(i think he meant tihs but he is a ford worker like me)my troop motto was SNAFU when asked what this meant when we were looking after are Irish friends i informed the General that it was SITUATION NORMAL ALL FCUKED UP(sorry about the spelling you know why) funny how the world goes round hope i get out of this one but with my recent luck i don't think so just more tihs to swim in
Posted by: bobbyboy on 10:28pm Fri 11 Jul 08
keep your 'ead up old son the last one to swim in tihs came up smelling of roses just watch out for the thorns
keep your 'ead up old son the last one to swim in tihs came up smelling of roses just watch out for the thorns
Posted by: Set_the_record_strai
ght, Southampton on 11:24pm Fri 11 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Truth Merchant[/bold] wrote:
Unfortantly they have priced themselves out of the market, by striking for more wages, benifits etc. I dont care.[/quote] Having worked at Ford for over 10 years, I have never seen a strike, so get your facts right before making ignorant comments.
Over the last few years, a lot of hard work has been carried out, to improve the efficiency of the production processes, and more vehicles are manufactured with fewer people than ever before.
As for not caring whether the plant shuts or not, is a stupid view to have.
If the closure goes ahead, direct and indirect job losses could go number into the thousands.
This will be bad for the local economy, as the money that all these unemployed people spent on goods and services locally will not be there anymore, so many businesses will suffer and the impact of this will be felt by yet more people.
Truth Merchant wrote:
Unfortantly they have priced themselves out of the market, by striking for more wages, benifits etc. I dont care.
Having worked at Ford for over 10 years, I have never seen a strike, so get your facts right before making ignorant comments.
Over the last few years, a lot of hard work has been carried out, to improve the efficiency of the production processes, and more vehicles are manufactured with fewer people than ever before.
As for not caring whether the plant shuts or not, is a stupid view to have.
If the closure goes ahead, direct and indirect job losses could go number into the thousands.
This will be bad for the local economy, as the money that all these unemployed people spent on goods and services locally will not be there anymore, so many businesses will suffer and the impact of this will be felt by yet more people.
Posted by: soton anon, soton on 8:34am Sat 12 Jul 08
If the rumour mills are true, and if the ford plant closes, it will be a sad loss for southampton, first BAT closed, Then Bacardi-Martini closed (where i worked) and now the possibility of Ford closing, it just goes to show how bad things are getting in this country.
If the rumour mills are true, and if the ford plant closes, it will be a sad loss for southampton, first BAT closed, Then Bacardi-Martini closed (where i worked) and now the possibility of Ford closing, it just goes to show how bad things are getting in this country.
Posted by: hoo flung dung, southampton on 8:48am Sat 12 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Keith Oftergrass[/bold] wrote:
Next time you're driving past this factory, take a look in the car park. You'll see most of the cars are not actually Fords - where is the company loyalty shown by the employees ? This wouldn't happen in France, Germany or any other major car producer. These guys are all take, take, take and now they're going to get their comeuppance.[/quote] oi, dopey! most are not fords because there is a high percentage of agency staff who own what they want and secondly the 'discounts' ford give the staff is not a great deal more than what you can get if you bargain hard from any dealer.
the discounts is only off the TOP price!
Keith Oftergrass wrote:
Next time you're driving past this factory, take a look in the car park. You'll see most of the cars are not actually Fords - where is the company loyalty shown by the employees ? This wouldn't happen in France, Germany or any other major car producer. These guys are all take, take, take and now they're going to get their comeuppance.
oi, dopey! most are not fords because there is a high percentage of agency staff who own what they want and secondly the 'discounts' ford give the staff is not a great deal more than what you can get if you bargain hard from any dealer.
the discounts is only off the TOP price!
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