Trailblazing result

Confirmation that Jaguar Land Rover will build a new all electric model at its Castle Bromwich plant is a ‘fantastic boost’ to the car industry and testament to the skill and hard work of Unite members and shop stewards, Unite said today (Friday July 5).

The ‘trailblazing’ move, which sees the West Midlands plant become home to the first UK built all-electric executive saloon, with batteries produced at Hams Hall and motors near Wolverhampton, follows extensive talks between Unite and JLR and paves the way for further new car models.

To secure the investment, vehicle production workers at Castle Bromwich agreed to move to working a condensed week offering them greater work-life balance, while giving the car maker greater flexibility. Workers will move to a new 37 hour four day shift pattern with the potential of extra Friday shifts for additional volumes. Currently they work a five day shift pattern with extra Saturday working.

“Today’s trailblazing announcement by Jaguar Land Rover is testament to the skill and hard work of Unite members and shop stewards,” commented Unite assistant general secretary for manufacturing Steve Turner.

“Once again they have pulled out all the stops to secure the new investment needed for this new model which will be the first UK built all-electric executive saloon.

“Not only is it a fantastic boost to the UK car industry, but it ensures that Jaguar Land Rover’s Castle Bromwich site remains a powerhouse of the regional economy providing a living for thousands of workers and supporting many more in the supply chain,” he said.

‘Proud day’

Turner continued, “This is a proud day for our members and Jaguar Land Rover. The government and Theresa May’s replacement as prime minister must make sure it is not the last for UK’s world beating car workers and their families.

“The Tory leadership contenders need to stop trying to out-bid one another over a disastrous no-deal Brexit and take it off the table to help secure further investment in the UK car industry and the future of other car plants, such as Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port site,” he added.

Turner also appeared in a video in which he sent a message to members: