Union anger at BMW attack on Rover board

The leader of one of the UK’s biggest trade unions tonight hit back at an outspoken attack against the owners of MG Rover by a senior executive of German motor giant BMW.

The managing director of BMW in Britain said the four Birmingham businessmen were the “unacceptable face of capitalism” and had let down the German firm.

BMW sold Rover for just £10 (€14.30) in 2000 to John Towers, Peter Beale, John Edwards and Nick Stephenson amid hopes that the Longbridge-based firm would prosper.

Jim O’Donnell said it was “disgusting” that the four businessmen had paid themselves so much money while losses were so high at MG Rover.

Mr O’Donnell said BMW wanted to give the company a chance, but he added: “I don’t think they have taken that chance.”

The Rover board paid themselves more than the BMW board if pensions were included, he complained.

But Tony Woodley, general secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union, said: “BMW have no right to speak out against Rover’s owners given their own wretched record as owners.

“We are against employers over-paying themselves, particularly for failure, but at least the Rover factory is still open and operating.

“BMW’s sniping is aimed at undermining confidence in Rover. They should instead observe a decent silence.”