"GKN workers in Birmingham to strike over factory closure", 1 September 2021

Workers at the GKN automotive engineering plant in Birmingham have voted to strike in a campaign to prevent the factory’s closure.

The employees voted overwhelmingly for action to save the plant and more than 500 skilled jobs. Some of the work carried out in Birmingham is set to be transferred overseas to other GKN plants...

The Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner said: “... It is now incumbent that everyone concerned with the future of GKN Driveline come together to hammer out a future for the plant and the UK’s supply of key components. The alternative is a long-drawn-out dispute that will damage both GKN and the company’s customer base.”

A GKN spokesperson said: “GKN Automotive is disappointed by the result of the ballot but respects the right of our colleagues to take legitimate industrial action. However, this does not change our difficult decision to close the Erdington plant.”