London - British trade unions Wednesday welcomed the decision by carmaker General Motors (GM) not to sell off its European brands - but the government said it was seeking "urgent talks" with GM about the future of Vauxhall plants. The decision, which affects 5,500 workers at two main Vauxhall plants in Britain, was hailed as "fantastic" by union leaders.
"There's no logic in breaking up the company. It is the best decision for Britain and our plants. I am absolutely delighted that General Motors have finally done the right thing for them and for us, said Tony Woodley, leader of the Unite union and a former Vauxhall worker.
British unions had expressed fears that a German-negotiated deal about the sale of GM's European plants would not take British interests sufficiently into account.
In London, Business Secretary Peter Mandelson said he was "keen for very early discussions with GM over their plans for the business and how they will affect British plants and workers."
