Volkswagen strike escalates: Protests hit 9 German factories
According to announcements, Volkswagen employees affiliated with the IG Metall union have started a warning strike at nine German factories. They are protesting against the company's controversial plans.
9:13 AM EST, December 2, 2024
On Monday, December 2, 2024, nine German Volkswagen factories will halt work for at least several hours. As announced, thousands of people will gather at the company's headquarters in Wolfsburg. Demonstrations are also planned at the Hanover plant, which employs about 14,000 people, and at smaller facilities, including those in Emden, Salzgitter, and Brunswick.
The IG Metall union's representatives threaten to extend the protest if a satisfactory agreement is not reached. Employees want the company to withdraw its announcement of closing some factories and reducing salaries by 10%. In return, they will forego bonuses and raises for the next two years.
Volkswagen rejected this proposal during the last negotiations on November 21. Another round of talks is scheduled for December 9. However, considering the strike's escalation, any decisions may be made earlier.
