Volkswagen faces fresh strikes as tensions mount over pay cuts
Another Monday, another strike. Volkswagen employees affiliated with the labor unions plan to protest again on December 9, coinciding with the next round of talks between management and union representatives.
According to the IG Metall labor union, workers at up to nine German factories will stop work for at least four hours. This marks the second warning strike as part of the protest against Volkswagen's plans.
The German giant is facing a challenging financial situation, and it has not ruled out the possibility of closing some plants. The company also aims to cut employees' salaries by 10%.
During Wednesday's conference, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume defended these decisions, asserting that they are necessary given the current circumstances. He emphasized that management cannot operate "in a fantasy world" but must make practical decisions.
"It borders on mockery when Oliver Blume stands in front of the workforce and wishes them a Merry Christmas, while at the same time, the VW board would prefer to put letters of termination under the Christmas tree for the employees," said IG Metall's chief negotiator, Thorsten Groeger, as quoted by "Automotive News Europe."
"We will now step up our efforts on December 9th and thus increase the pressure on the company at the negotiating table," he added.
