Volkswagen showdown: Workers gear up for December strikes
German Volkswagen employees have had enough. They are threatening a warning strike that could escalate into a longer protest.
8:22 AM EST, November 29, 2024
On November 21, after the third round of negotiations with the company's management ended unsuccessfully, IG Metall representatives announced potential strikes. Now they are moving from words to actions, clearly encouraging a rebellion.
"Strikes are possible and also necessary from the beginning of December," stated an IG Metall leaflet addressed to employees. According to their announcements, German Volkswagen factories could come to a halt on Monday, December 2. Initially, this stoppage would last for a few hours, but an extended protest is not off the table.
Employees of the German company reject a proposed 10 percent pay cut. They also expect Volkswagen to refrain from closing any factories. In return, they are willing to forgo annual bonuses and raises for the next two years.
Union representatives and company management will meet again on December 9 for the fourth round of negotiations. Time will tell whether potential disruptions caused by strikes will lead the management to reach a compromise.
