Heißer Herbst: VW kündigt Tarifverträge auf

Volkswagen, in an effort to implement more stringent cost-cutting measures, has terminated most of its collective bargaining agreements - including the significant Mantel collective bargaining agreement. This decision follows a meeting with worker representatives in Hanover, where the company claimed certain provisions in these contracts needed to be adjusted to align with current cost pressures.

However, the exact number of terminated contracts was not disclosed by a spokesperson. According to the IG Metall, ten contracts are affected. The economic landscape, as stated by Volkswagen's head of personnel, Arne Meiswinkel, has become significantly more competitive. Chinese manufacturers with affordable exports are posing a threat in Europe, thereby increasing price and competition pressures.

Consequently, Volkswagen needs to swiftly and consistently implement measures from its 2030 future plan. The termination, set to take effect by December 31, 2026, aims to open a negotiation space. The Mantel collective bargaining agreement, which bundles numerous fundamental regulations for over 100,000 German employees, is impacted.

In total, the VW household agreement comprises 13 individual contracts, regulating work conditions, working hours, and allowances. The future collective bargaining agreement for 2024 and the employment security it offers until the end of 2030 remain unaffected. Workforce members warn of potential confrontations, with first consequences expected from January 2027.

Both the union and the works council have declared their opposition. "This is a dirty foul against the workforce and another shameless attempt to get into the pockets of the employees," stated Niedersachsen IG-Metall chief Thorsten Gröger. The works council chief, Daniela Cavallo, expects a "heated confrontation at the stroke of midnight."

Workers doubt previous promises. Representatives from Volkswagen, IG Metall, and the works council met on Wednesday for a so-called review meeting. Workers demanded clarity on whether and how Volkswagen would uphold promises from the 2024 future collective bargaining agreement. These agreements were viewed as threatened by the significantly heightened cost-cutting plans.

In response, management explained why the earlier savings targets were no longer sufficient. The 2030 future plan had resulted in the termination of 35,000 VW jobs in Germany by 2030, along with reduced bonuses and allowances, and postponed wage increases. At the same time, Volkswagen pledged investment and new product development for its German sites.

The company stated it would avoid business closures and factory closures, as well as invest and create new products for its German locations. The company is in the midst of a historic transformation, with CEO Oliver Blume tasked with making the corporation more profitable. Worldwide, the management aims to cut 50,000 positions over the coming years, in addition to previously planned reductions.

The future of the VW factories in Emden, Hanover, and Zwickau, as well as the Audi site in Neckarsulm, remains open until 2031-2034.