Volkswagen, IG Metall agree to start labor talks Nov. 24 as automaker seeks cost cuts
Volkswagen and IG Metall will begin collective bargaining on Nov. 24, 2026, as the automaker seeks rapid labor cost reductions. Plans call for 12,000 additional job cuts by 2030, beyond more than 35,000 agreed in December 2024.
1. Talks and job cuts
Volkswagen and IG Metall will begin collective bargaining on Nov. 24, 2026, in Emden, with talks continuing on Dec. 15 in Zwickau. Management seeks rapid labor cost reductions as deteriorating economic conditions threaten competitiveness. Plans call for 12,000 additional job cuts by 2030, beyond the more than 35,000 agreed in December 2024. Proposed measures include voluntary departures and subsidized transfer companies to help employees find new jobs; existing contractual job security commitments remain in place.
