Autobauer: IG Metall: VW-Führung handelt respekt- und verantwortungslos

On the 3rd of September, the IG Metall regional leader Thorsten Gröger harshly criticized Volkswagen's leadership following the cancellation of numerous collective bargaining agreements. In Gröger's words, the manner in which the company handled the situation was "disrespectful to its own employees" and "irresponsible towards the company itself".

This behavior would leave Volkswagen without the conflict management mechanisms they could utilize, as Gröger cited a recent conversation about the 2024 future collective bargaining agreement as an example. The workers' representatives had listened to a 50-minute presentation by the company, but there was no mention of any plans to cancel the collective bargaining agreements.

Curiously, the press had already reported on the company's plans during the conversation itself. Gröger contended that the company had informed the public about its intentions regarding its employees. The cancellation of the blanket collective bargaining agreement and the framework conditions for employees were described by Gröger as a "unique occurrence in Volkswagen's history".

The struggle for more drastic cost-cutting has seen Volkswagen terminate a large portion of its collective bargaining agreements, including the crucial blanket collective bargaining agreement. The company aims to cut around 50,000 jobs worldwide in the coming years, in addition to previous reduction plans. Brands and companies are tasked with planning for this, with half of the cuts potentially affecting German locations.

However, specific programs must be negotiated with the employees. Furthermore, the future of Volkswagen factories in Emden, Hannover, Zwickau, and Audi's Neckarsulm plant remains open until 2031-2034.