Opel In Talks To Shorten Working Hours

GM’s European arm Opel is in talks with representatives of its plant workers to shorten working hours at its main plant in Ruesselsheim, according to German paper Allgemeine Zeitung Mainz, which cited a company spokesperson.

“Due to the deteriorating market situation in Europe, management of Adam Opel AG is negotiating with the works council and (labour union) IG Metall over shortened working hours in Ruesselsheim,” the paper cited Opel’s spokesman as saying. The spokesman added that “a result of the negotiations is to be expected shortly”.

The paper also mentioned Opel considering shortening working hours at its Kaiserslautern facilities.

The development adds to the mounting economic issues in Europe that are having a negative toll on automakers, among other industries.