2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:01 pm on 18 June 2019.

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Photo of Huw Irranca-Davies Huw Irranca-Davies Labour 3:01, 18 June 2019

The Minister will note the vote last week by 83 per cent of the Ford workforce to support industrial action up to and including strike action in response to the Ford closure proposal. So, I wonder whether time can be found for a statement on Ford Bridgend in the near future, and at least before the summer recess, which would allow the Minister to update us on progress with the taskforce, and in particular in reference to the representations made to ensure that in the event of closure, the pensions and the redundancies are at least equal to those offered to Ford workers before, in the UK or in any plant in Europe, and that any legacy left by Ford in the event of closure should be equal to any they've given to other EU plants that have closed as well.

We're only asking for fair play to workers who've given 40 years commitment to this plant. I welcome what the First Minister has said, I welcome what the economy Minister has said, standing squarely, shoulder to shoulder, with these workers, but it would be good to get an update in the right, timely manner before we get to the summer.