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GM, Magna to Start Talks on Opel Job Cuts

Both Magna and General Motors hope to complete the close the Opel deal by October. But in order for this to happen, the involved parties must decide on how many people will leave the company and how many plants, if needed, will close their doors. According to Reuters, Magna, GM and European unions will begin talks on the matter next week, with initial estimates hinting that the Canadian - Austrian partsmaker wants to cut 10,500 jobs across Opel's European plants.

Only a little is known at this time about Magna's job cuts but initial reports claimed the company is looking to protect German jobs but reduce workforce at plants across Europe, including those in Belgium.

GM CEO Fritz Henderson confirmed last week at the Frankfurt Auto Show that the Antwerp, Belgium production plant is indeed at risk and revealed that a decision is to be made soon, probably after talks with those involved.

"We looked at it in detail but it just didn't make sense based on our own internal analysis," he said. "That plant has been under evaluation for some time; no final decision has been taken. But it's certainly at risk."

Meanwhile, workers across Europe are protesting against Magna's takeover. In Spain for example, Opel employees demonstrated last weekend as the Canadian - Austrian partsmaker is expected to cut around 1,700 jobs at the Zaragoza plant. Furthermore, German workers showed their support for Belgium employees saying that they're ready to travel abroad to protest against the job cuts.

Several European officials are already asking the European Union to investigate the deal so the October deadline is getting harder and harder to reach.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
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Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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