Auto-Aktionstag: IG-Metall-Chefin: „Überall brennt gerade die Hütte“

Christiane Benner, the IG-Metall chief, has criticized the heads of the German automotive industry, demanding more responsibility for employees and locations. "Today, workers from the automotive and supplier industries are gathering all over the country to show employers and politicians that they are ready," Benner stated in a message at a protest at the VW main plant in Wolfsburg.

"The house is burning everywhere." Companies such as Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, Bosch, Mercedes, and Porsche have boasted about their fantastic cars and high-quality products that were exported worldwide. Employees had been proud to work for these companies. However, Benner criticized the heads of these companies for driving the branch into a wall and experiencing labor turnover afterward.

She expects company executives to take responsibility for the German automotive landscape, employees, and job security. Benner called for reliable conditions for investments, affordable energy, and the promotion of a "Made in EU" approach from the government. She also demanded protection against unfair competition, financial aid for suppliers during restructuring, and the retention of seniority reduction regulations.

Employees must rely on a protective social policy and reliable industrial policy during the upheaval phase. Media were not allowed to cover the action on the factory grounds, a decision made last week by the chairman of the board, Oliver Blume, according to the operations council and IG Metall.