Ford’s Russian plant workers got back to work after strike

Ford Motor Co. in Russia opens starts production once again after local workers ceased to go to work for eight days. Demanding a 30% increase in their wages and a 6 1/2-hour night shift, the 1,500 Ford’s Russian workers returned to the plant near St. Petersburg.

Market Watch reports that not all returned to work. Some 300 workers continue to protest.
In the report, Alexi Etmanov, the union head at the plant, said that the Ford’s Russian plant is “currently at about 80% of its capacity.” This plant is responsible for producing versions of Ford’s small-sized Focus model.
The strike began in November 20, but in November 7, workers already held a warning strike.
A one-day strike also took place in February. During that time, Ford had taken some actions by raising the wages by 14%-20% and providing other improvements.

Ford aims to manufacture 75,000 cars in the Russian plant in 2007. This plant is actually one of the first production facilities to be built in Russia by a western car maker.

News from: http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/russian-ford-unit-reportedly-back/story.aspx?guid=%7B7F6B402C-18E6-422D-AC4C-2ABE4BD7DACE%7D