Sparpläne bei Volkswagen: IG Metall: Zeichen bei VW stehen auf Konflikt

The IG Metall trade union has accused Volkswagen's executive team of presenting a harmful public image in the midst of the company's crisis. Niedersachsens IG-Metall-Bezirkschef Thorsten Gröger told the "Neuen Osnabrücker Zeitung" that while Volkswagen is on the path to improvement, the way the current debate is being conducted by the management is disastrous.

Gröger warned that the current communication from the management questions everything that has brought confidence to the employees in the company. So far, the focus has always been on balancing profitability and secure employment. Gröger said that if this fundamental issue is questioned, it is clear that a confrontation is being provoked, which they do not wish.

However, they are preparing for it. Regarding the possibility of strikes, Gröger pointed to the peace duty that remains valid until the turn of the year. "So theoretically there is the possibility to call for a stoppage of work at the end of the year," he said. Gröger also commented on speculations that Volkswagen could implement its cost-cutting plans at an extraordinary general meeting of the supervisory board.

He called this an "incredibly strange occurrence" and reminded that the Volkswagen law, which gave special protection to the factories and special influence to the German state of Lower Saxony in the company, was built with the wealth that the Nazis illegally took from the unions. Gröger appealed for VW to be conscious of its special responsibility towards its employees.

Today, the ninth and final extraordinary meeting between management and employees in the Volkswagen plant in Hannover concludes.