Oxford workers walk out, leaving MINI customers waiting.

MINI2 has learned that workers on the production line at BMW’s Plant Oxford, home of the MINI, last night decided to take unprecedented industrial action to down tools and go on strike after recent meetings failed to successfully calm increasingly heated disagreements concerning working conditions at the plant.

This news could, obviously, spell disaster for customers who are waiting for their new MINIs to be built and delivered, who could have orders set back by months if the workers do not return to their posts in the very near future.

It is believed the dispute has been brewing for some time after workers had their vending machines withdrawn, and refreshments options cut down at the canteens due to BMW management decisions to ensure brand image and working ethics were fully implemented at the plant.

Big trouble brewing, or storm in a tea cup?

It is believed that senior management from parent company BMW visited the plant and witnessed several members of staff consuming cups of tea. Concerned that such a dull “beige” beverage really wasn’t appropriate in such a bright, cheerful, and positive working environment as Plant Oxford, BMW chiefs immediately struck tea, and all other beige or insipid coloured items from the menus in the plant.

We understand management have tried to appease the situation by offering varieties of “posh coffees”, suitable for the MINIs trendy image, to help their staff to get in the spirit and “live the brand”, but so far all such suggestions have been rejected, even with the extra sweetener of free Café Noir
biscuits thrown into the deal.

Staff representatives and management both seem hopeful of a resolution, however there are still concerns talks may crumble. Keep watching the MINI2 forums for updates.

UPDATE!

Further to the earlier news on T.E.A. strike action at the MINI Plant in Oxford, the management have agreed to the transfer of persistent tea drinkers to the Rolls Royce site in Goodwood, the Rolls Royce brand is recognised as the epitomy of “Britishness”, and as such English Tea is served in bone china cups with Teacakes or Scones at predetermined times during each shift.

In order to appease the workers at the Oxford plant who remain, Starbucks Coffee booths’ are being installed in the production areas during this weekend.

Union leaders are fully in agreement with this strategy and have recommended a return to work.

A MINI spokesman allegedly commented “With the extra influx of caffeine into the employees systems , we fully expect production levels to be further increased. Any shortfall in production due to the industrial inaction, will be more than redressed”