Nearly 40,000 people protested across Germany on October 19, trying to stop General Motors from axing one-fifth of the European work force, and possibly closing a plant. The biggest protest was in the north-western town of Bochum, home to one of GM’s factories. GM employees were joined by workers from other car companies, and supporters in the wave of protest. GM had announced the cuts — 12,000 European jobs, 10,000 of them in Germany — five days beforehand. The workers at the Bochum factory went on strike from the announcement until October 20. More stopworks at GM factories across Europe are planned, while unions are negotiating with GM management.

From Green Left Weekly, October 27, 2004.
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