Magna Promises to Cut Fewer Jobs in Spain

Under the strong pressure of unions and politicians, Magna, often referred to as the new Opel owner, promises to cut fewer jobs at the Spanish plant. According to original restructuring plans, Magna was expected to cut 1,650 jobs at the Zaragoza plant in northern Spain but after several rounds of negotiations with union leaders, the Canadian - Austrian partsmaker agreed to lay off only 1,300 employees. The factory currently employs 7,500, according to a report by Reuters.

"Magna have tabled a new plan for the plant today, which involves making 100 percent of the five-door Opel Corsa," Ana Sanchez, an official with the Comisiones Obreras union at the plant, was quoted as saying by the aforementioned source.

In mid-September, workers at the Zaragoza plant demonstrated against the proposed job cuts. The employees marched alongside local politicians and union representatives, carrying banners and messages aimed at Magna International.

A similar case takes place in Belgium where Magna might close the Antwerp production facility. Several German workers and employees from other overseas Opel plants traveled to Belgium to support their local colleagues and fight together against the proposed cuts. GM CEO Fritz Henderson confirmed at the Frankfurt Auto Show that the plant is at risk and might be closed as part of the restructuring process:

"That plant has been under evaluation for some time; no final decision has been taken. But it's certainly at risk," he explained.

According to some leaked Magna documents, Germany would be the most affected when the new Opel owner will start the restructuring process, with 4,116 fired employees. Belgium takes the second place with 2,517 fired employees, followed by Spain with 2,090 and the UK with 1,373.