Workers at nine Volkswagen plants across Germany have initiated rolling two-hour strikes to protest against proposed pay cuts and potential factory closures. The company claims these measures are necessary due to challenges in the European auto market.
The strikes, which began at the Wolfsburg base plant, are in response to Volkswagen's cost-cutting initiatives aimed at aligning German production costs with those of competitors and other Volkswagen plants globally. Employees are resisting bearing the brunt of management decisions and are demanding shared responsibility from all stakeholders.
Chief employee representative Daniela Cavallo emphasized the need for management and shareholders to contribute to resolving the situation. She stated that upcoming negotiations will determine whether there will be progress or further escalation in the conflict.
The strikes, known as warning strikes, are part of ongoing labor negotiations following the expiration of a no-strike period. The IG Metall industrial union has indicated that additional actions may be announced in the future.
Volkswagen is seeking a 10% pay reduction for its 120,000 German workers and is considering closing three German plants due to excess capacity. The company is facing challenges such as declining European demand, rising costs, and increased competition from Chinese automakers.
The walkouts began at the Zwickau plant in eastern Germany and are scheduled to continue at several other locations. The next round of negotiations is set for December 9, with tensions running high as both sides seek to find a resolution to the conflict.
