Early Start for VW Wage Talks Amid Crisis
Image courtesy of : AFP (MORITZ FRANKENBERG)
Volkswagen (VW) and the IG Metall union will commence wage negotiations earlier than planned, starting on September 25. Initially set for late October, the talks were expedited following intense pressure from the union. This decision comes in the wake of VW's announcement to terminate the future employment security agreement, allowing for layoffs from July 2025. Additionally, the company has canceled wage and training compensation agreements effective November 30 this year.
IG Metall is pushing back strongly against potential plant closures and mass layoffs. The union is demanding a 7% wage increase and an additional €170 for apprentices, citing the sluggish domestic economy and consumer spending. The union's chief negotiator, Thorsten Gröger, has emphasized that any attempts to close factories or lay off workers will meet substantial resistance.
VW has acknowledged the challenging situation, attributing the early start of negotiations to the uncertainty this has created. The company did not comment on the specific demands but indicated a willingness to engage with the union.
The situation remains tense as the
