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Cowley production halting after fuel strike
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| Stopping: Mini production at Cowley |
Car manufacturer BMW confirmed tonight it will be closing down production over the weekend because of the Spanish truckers' fuel strike.
The Cowley-based company, which employs 4,700 people, will be closing its manufacturing from late Friday through until at least early Monday because it cannot get crucial parts out of Spain.
The shutdown will affect hundreds of the total staff but the company said workers would still be paid.
The strike by Spanish hauliers, who are protesting over soaring fuel prices, has blocked roads and hit production and exports out of the country.
One of the most major components BMW cannot get is brake discs.
Spokesman Rebecca Baxter said: "It is too early to tell how many (employees) it will affect.
"We are trying to monitor the situation in Spain, but we don't know how long the effect is going to last.
"The situation is beyond our control and the strike is affecting manufacturers across Europe, who are unable to get parts out of Spain as all ports and airports have been blocked.
"We are unable to maintain production due to a lack of crucial parts but hope to resume full production shortly.
"In the meantime we are monitoring the situation closely and are grateful for our (employees') understanding at this time."
She added the company hoped to let staff know if and when production was resuming by 11am on Monday.
One worker said: "They have said we are not required to work tomorrow night and we have to ring up on Monday to find out.
"They cannot guarantee what work we will have next week.
"We haven't had any lay-outs like this for a long time."
This had been forecast as a bumper year of manufacture at the Cowley plant with bosses aiming for 240,000 vehicles to roll off the production line.
In Spain, the striking lorry drivers were today warned to get back to work as the government took a hard line against their protest.
They were told they have no chance of victory on the fourth day of a stoppage that has led to shortages and panic-buying of food and fuel.
The self-employed strikers say big haulage companies can cope better with fuel price increases by lowering their rates to land more jobs. So the protesting drivers are demanding a minimum, guaranteed rate for their services.
The government refuses, saying that would interfere with free-market competition and actually violate European Union rules.
Spanish drivers say their diesel costs have risen 36 per cent in a year.
8:16pm Thursday 12th June 2008
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CommentPosted by: anon, BBL on 10:06pm Thu 12 Jun 08
UNIPART make brake discs.buy your parts from the UK then.
UNIPART make brake discs.buy your parts from the UK then.
Posted by: Terry Tardis, Wallingford on 10:30pm Thu 12 Jun 08
Is that you Mr Neill?
Posted by: Happy Larry, Carlisle Up North on 10:58pm Thu 12 Jun 08
Unipart purchase product from China Mr Neill !!!
Unipart purchase product from China Mr Neill !!!
Posted by: The Virgin man, OX4 1 on 12:24am Fri 13 Jun 08
That really is my mother's fault for teaching people the wrong English, and for giving spiteful people free lodgings, in return for harrassing everyone. She denied me my basic human rights, yet she works at [bold]NEWSQUEST OXFORD[/bold].
Margaret Thatcher would do anything to get a cool, free ride.
That really is my mother's fault for teaching people the wrong English, and for giving spiteful people free lodgings, in return for harrassing everyone. She denied me my basic human rights, yet she works at
NEWSQUEST OXFORD.
Margaret Thatcher would do anything to get a cool, free ride.
Posted by: annoyed on 9:12am Fri 13 Jun 08
My partner works at BMW and it's a lie that the staff are being paid for the weekend. But should we be surprised?
My partner works at BMW and it's a lie that the staff are being paid for the weekend. But should we be surprised?
Posted by: Business Park, Cowley on 10:22am Fri 13 Jun 08
BMW closing for the weekend? OMG, it'll be even harder to get served in the Longwall this lunchtime, normally you can't move in there for black boiler suits as it is!
BMW closing for the weekend? OMG, it'll be even harder to get served in the Longwall this lunchtime, normally you can't move in there for black boiler suits as it is!
Posted by: jm, diddy on 1:03pm Fri 13 Jun 08
[quote][bold]annoyed[/bold] wrote:
My partner works at BMW and it's a lie that the staff are being paid for the weekend. But should we be surprised?[/quote] We've had to take the time off as holiday or unpaid.No real favours from BMW or our corrupt Union!
We keep getting sold down the river with their 3 bags full mentality.
annoyed wrote:
My partner works at BMW and it's a lie that the staff are being paid for the weekend. But should we be surprised?
We've had to take the time off as holiday or unpaid.No real favours from BMW or our corrupt Union!
We keep getting sold down the river with their 3 bags full mentality.
Posted by: Carpe Cerevisi on 1:21pm Fri 13 Jun 08
OMG, actually it will be easier to get served in the Longwall.
OMG, actually it will be easier to get served in the Longwall.
Posted by: HECTOR, OXFORD on 3:31pm Fri 13 Jun 08
The service in the Longwall is bad to say the least, so no change there! We are being paid, its called Working Time Account and it was brought in specifically to be used at times like this, not just as a chance to take more time off when you feel like it. Some people are so bitter and twisted, if you don't like it - get a job elsewhere! A Petrol Tanker driver or Spanish Trucker look like good career moves at the moment!
The service in the Longwall is bad to say the least, so no change there! We are being paid, its called Working Time Account and it was brought in specifically to be used at times like this, not just as a chance to take more time off when you feel like it. Some people are so bitter and twisted, if you don't like it - get a job elsewhere! A Petrol Tanker driver or Spanish Trucker look like good career moves at the moment!
Posted by: HECTOR, OXFORD on 3:32pm Fri 13 Jun 08
The service in the Longwall is bad to say the least, so no change there! We are being paid, its called Working Time Account and it was brought in specifically to be used at times like this, not just as a chance to take more time off when you feel like it. Some people are so bitter and twisted, if you don't like it - get a job elsewhere! A Petrol Tanker driver or Spanish Trucker look like good career moves at the moment!
The service in the Longwall is bad to say the least, so no change there! We are being paid, its called Working Time Account and it was brought in specifically to be used at times like this, not just as a chance to take more time off when you feel like it. Some people are so bitter and twisted, if you don't like it - get a job elsewhere! A Petrol Tanker driver or Spanish Trucker look like good career moves at the moment!
Posted by: Neil Buckle on 9:01pm Fri 13 Jun 08
I work for bmw and think its great!I dont care if i dont get paid!!
I work for bmw and think its great!I dont care if i dont get paid!!
Posted by: Annon, Cowley on 8:42am Sat 14 Jun 08
Brilliant Hector!
YOU WORK THE EXTRA HOURS THEY TELL YOU AND TAKE THE TIME OFF
THEY TELL YOU!!!!
I thought we won the war?lol
Brilliant Hector!
YOU WORK THE EXTRA HOURS THEY TELL YOU AND TAKE THE TIME OFF
THEY TELL YOU!!!!
I thought we won the war?lol
Posted by: Stu, Oxford on 8:50am Sat 14 Jun 08
Annon and all the other moaners. If you don't like it get a job elsewhere! Ah, but of course you can't as no where else pays as well as BMW for what a lot of these people do. Quit your moaning and be thankful you have a job. You knew the working arrangements before you started there.
Annon and all the other moaners. If you don't like it get a job elsewhere! Ah, but of course you can't as no where else pays as well as BMW for what a lot of these people do. Quit your moaning and be thankful you have a job. You knew the working arrangements before you started there.
Posted by: Annon, Cowley on 10:36am Sat 14 Jun 08
I've just got an interview at the Longwall!!!
I'll be the one serving you.You'll be easy to recognise in your rose coloured glasses!
I've just got an interview at the Longwall!!!
I'll be the one serving you.You'll be easy to recognise in your rose coloured glasses!
Posted by: Adolf, Colditz on 6:11pm Sun 15 Jun 08
Very stupid?Take holiday because a firm can't supply you with parts!Surely there's insurance policy in place?Sorry just stop whinging!Brain dead management/Union.Tha
nks for the job?Don't whip me boss?
Very stupid?Take holiday because a firm can't supply you with parts!Surely there's insurance policy in place?Sorry just stop whinging!Brain dead management/Union.Tha
nks for the job?Don't whip me boss?
Posted by: John, Oxford on 2:04pm Wed 18 Jun 08
Has anyone else noticed how when a news item really stirs it up - all the comments get deleted and the news item is quickly archived - this article appeared yesterday , and was gone today with over 40 comments deleted - same with the gay pride march - over 55 coments - censorship
Muslim extremism up for debate
From the Oxford Mail, first published Tuesday 17th Jun 2008.
Who or what is to blame for Muslim extremism will be the subject of a fiery debate at Oxford Town Hall on Saturday, June 28.
Organised by the Muslim Education Centre of Oxford (Meco) the debate, entitled: Islamic theology and the war on terror are equally responsible for Muslim Extremism, has already attracted interest from speakers across the country.
They include Catherine Heseltine from the Muslim Public Affairs Committee and Respect party councillor Salma Yaqoob, from Birmingham.
Meco chairman Dr Taj Hargey said: "In a climate of misunderstanding and ignorance, this historic debate provides a unique opportunity for Muslims to articulate their resentments and fears in a civilised non-violent fashion.
"It will be a most controversial debate of course."
The free event is open to all, with entry by ticket only.
Email info@meco.org.uk or call 01865 766032.
Has anyone else noticed how when a news item really stirs it up - all the comments get deleted and the news item is quickly archived - this article appeared yesterday , and was gone today with over 40 comments deleted - same with the gay pride march - over 55 coments - censorship
Muslim extremism up for debate
From the Oxford Mail, first published Tuesday 17th Jun 2008.
Who or what is to blame for Muslim extremism will be the subject of a fiery debate at Oxford Town Hall on Saturday, June 28.
Organised by the Muslim Education Centre of Oxford (Meco) the debate, entitled: Islamic theology and the war on terror are equally responsible for Muslim Extremism, has already attracted interest from speakers across the country.
They include Catherine Heseltine from the Muslim Public Affairs Committee and Respect party councillor Salma Yaqoob, from Birmingham.
Meco chairman Dr Taj Hargey said: "In a climate of misunderstanding and ignorance, this historic debate provides a unique opportunity for Muslims to articulate their resentments and fears in a civilised non-violent fashion.
"It will be a most controversial debate of course."
The free event is open to all, with entry by ticket only.
Email info@meco.org.uk or call 01865 766032.
Posted by: cowley lookin for work, cowley on 7:36pm Fri 27 Jun 08
basicaly im runin my self, but half these coments are a waste of **** time...bit ofa catch 22 on my behalf but oh well...money an work...every1 has to work no matter wot an money is sumin we all need even if we have it all, this blog is pointless it isn a union site its for publicty an sales...dealwith it ur self ordnt comment...is my view...its a lot more productive...now back to my life.
bless!
( 1 of 3 comments, used this year... )
basicaly im runin my self, but half these coments are a waste of **** time...bit ofa catch 22 on my behalf but oh well...money an work...every1 has to work no matter wot an money is sumin we all need even if we have it all, this blog is pointless it isn a union site its for publicty an sales...dealwith it ur self ordnt comment...is my view...its a lot more productive...now back to my life.
bless!
( 1 of 3 comments, used this year... )
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