The country’s biggest union, Unite, is building an alliance
between the workforce and the industry to secure a future for the
UK automotive sector.
At a conference this Saturday (25 March), Unite will bring
together representatives of its 95,000 auto members with industry
leaders to outline a programme of investment and development of a
vital UK industry.
Speakers at the conference will include Unite general
secretary Len McCluskey.
He will be joined by David Bailey, professor of industrial
strategy at Aston University and Mike Hawes, chief
executive of the influential Society of Motor Manufacturers and
Traders.
Ahead of the conference, Unite general secretary Len
McCluskey said:
“Unite is the foremost union for the UK’s car workers. Our
members have worked tirelessly to turn this industry into the
world class performer it is today.
“They work across more than 30 manufacturers building some 70
different models of vehicle. They are supported in this by more
than 2,000 component providers employing hundreds of thousands of
workers, including some of the world’s most skilled
engineers.
“It provides good, skilled jobs for working people and it makes a
substantial contribution to the UK exchequer.
“We are coming to Birmingham, a city with deep roots in car
making, to say that Unite’s members are the backbone of this
industry and must have full engagement in its future direction.”
Securing a Future for the UK Auto Industry will bring
together workers from all the major auto manufacturers and supply
chain businesses to develop a plan of action to safeguard the
country’s world-class auto industry, a sector with a £71.6
billion turnover.
The issues of automation, electrification, investment and the
digital revolution in manufacturing will also be raised.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Securing a Future for the UK Auto Industry will take place
from 10:30 until 15:00 on Saturday 25 March 2017 in Hall 8 of the
ICC, Birmingham B12EA.
