Volkswagen strike escalates over factory closures, pay cut
According to announcements, Volkswagen employees affiliated with the IG Metall union have started a warning strike in as many as nine German factories. They are protesting against the company's controversial plans.
On Monday, December 2, 2024, up to nine Volkswagen factories in Germany will halt work for at least several hours. As announced, thousands of people will gather at the company's headquarters in Wolfsburg. Demonstrations are also planned at the Hannover plant, which employs about 14,000 people, and smaller facilities in Emden, Salzgitter, and Brunswick.
The IG Metall union's representatives threaten to extend the protest if an agreement is not reached. Employees want the company to withdraw its plans to close some factories and reduce salaries by 10%. In return, they will forego bonuses and raises for the next two years.
Volkswagen rejected this proposal during the last negotiations on November 21. Another round of talks is scheduled for December 9. However, considering the strike's escalation, decisions may be made earlier.
