Volkswagen faces looming strikes over disputed pay cuts
German Volkswagen employees have reached a breaking point and are threatening a warning strike that could evolve into a more extended protest.
On November 21, after the third round of negotiations with the company's management ended without progress, IG Metall representatives announced potential strikes. They are now moving from words to action, urging a more forceful approach.
"Strikes are possible and also necessary from the beginning of December," stated an IG Metall leaflet distributed to employees. According to these announcements, German Volkswagen factories might halt operations on Monday, December 2. Initially, the stoppage could last for a few hours, but extending the protest is not out of the question.
Employees of the German company are not willing to accept a 10 percent pay cut. They also expect Volkswagen to refrain from closing factories. In exchange, they are prepared to forego annual bonuses and pay raises for the next two years.
Union representatives and company management are set to meet again on December 9 in a fourth round of negotiations. Only time will tell if the potential disruptions caused by strikes will lead management to a compromise.
