Volkswagen workers threaten strikes unless it reinstates wage deals
Volkswagen workers threatened strikes from January unless the automaker withdraws its cancellation of wage deals by the end of October. The works council says the executive board plans to freeze salaries for 660,000 staff worldwide until 2030.
1. Strike threat
Volkswagen workers threatened strikes from January unless the company withdraws its cancellation of wage deals by the end of October. IG Metall chief negotiator Thorsten Groeger said the union would otherwise set in motion a process paving the way for industrial action. Strikes are ruled out before January 1 under a current truce.
2. Wage negotiations
Volkswagen terminated almost all wage deals with German workers last month, putting working hours and holiday pay up for renegotiation. Negotiations are due to begin in early December at the latest, though Groeger called for them to start on November 24.
3. Restructuring plans
The company plans to cut 100,000 jobs and could close up to four plants in Germany. Volkswagen's works council said the executive board plans to freeze salaries for 660,000 staff worldwide until 2030. Volkswagen says it is pursuing options to cut costs and safeguard competitiveness.
