May 20, 2015
Massive strikes in Turkey’s auto sector have allegedly spread to include Ford Motor Co. workers, AFP reported May 20. Two factories in Turkey’s western Kocaeli province operated by Ford Otosan — a partnership between the U.S. car maker and Turkish industrial conglomerate Koc Holding – were reportedly forced to close May 20 because of the strikes for higher pay. However, Ford Otosan denied that the closures were the result of strikes and said they were instead due to a lack of parts caused by disturbances at other factories. Turkey’s Renault and Fiat factories, as well as several auto parts manufacturers, have been inoperable the past few days because of the demonstrations.