Volkswagen workers across Germany have begun warning strikes, over mass layoffs, wage cuts and the threat of plant closures.
The industrial action, led by the IG Metall trade union, marks the first walkout at Volkswagen’s domestic facilities since 2018.
These strikes reflect the growing tension between the carmaker and its workers.
On November 22nd, workers’ representatives at Volkswagen voted to begin limited strikes at German jobs from early December, following failed wage negotiations and plant closures.
IG Metall coordinator Thorsten Groeger said: “If necessary, this will be the toughest bargaining battle Volkswagen has ever seen.”
“Volkswagen respects the right of workers to participate in a warning strike,” said a spokesperson for the company, noting the company’s measures to maintain the level of supply to customers and reduce the effects of the strike.
IG Metall pointed out that warning strikes in Germany usually last only a few hours.
The union had previously proposed cost-saving measures that could save 1.5bn ($1.6bn), including the exclusion of bonuses for 2025 and 2026, which Volkswagen rejected.
The carmaker has asked for a 10% wage cut, citing the need to cut costs and improve profits to protect its market position in the face of economic competition from China and declining demand for European cars.
For the first time in its 87-year history, the company is threatening to close its plants in Germany.
Groeger said: “Volkswagen has burned our collective agreements and instead of extinguishing this fire in three negotiation sessions, the management board is throwing barrels of gasoline at it”.
Labor representatives and management will meet again on 9 December to continue negotiations on a new labor agreement for VW AG employees in Germany.
The unions remain committed to opposing any proposals that do not include a secure future plan for the entire Volkswagen plant.
“Volkswagen workers start warning strikes” was originally created and published by Just Auto, a product owned by GlobalData.
The information on this site is provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to be advice on which you should rely, and we make no representation, warranty or guarantee, either express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You should obtain professional or expert advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Source link
