Supplier problem puts Ford jobs at risk

Talks are taking place this morning amid fears hundreds of workers at Ford's Geelong and Broadmeadows could be temporarily stood down because of problems with a major supplier.

Suspension components manufacturer CMI has been locked out if its plant at Campbellfield because of a dispute with the landlord over unpaid rent.

The company has stopped production until further notice and it is feared it could go into administration, resulting in the loss of dozens of jobs.

Around 100 workers will meet with union representatives at the factory this morning.

CMI is a major supplier to Ford and the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) says the carmaker could run out of the parts that CMI supplies by Thursday.

The union's Steve Dargavel says Ford is discussing the possibility of suspending up to 1,800 workers until it can find the parts it needs.

"These are parts that Ford used to make internally and they contracted out quite a long time ago," he said.

"The vehicle industry is under significant pressure and needs support and this sort of situation drives home that message I think quite clearly."

The Victorian Government has accused the AMWU of "scare-mongering" over the future of the state's manufacturing industry.

State Manufacturing Minister Richard Dalla Riva says the Government is in discussions with CMI about its financial difficulties and will assist where possible.

Talks underway on Ford stand downs

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) is meeting Ford management in Melbourne today to discuss the temporary stand down of 1,800 workers.

Ford foreshadowed the move earlier this week after its major supplier of suspension components, CMI Industrial, was shutdown and its workers locked out over a rental dispute.

CMI Industrial is now in the process of appointing an administrator.

The company makes suspension components for Ford cars.