From Monday
IG Metall calls for warning strikes at Volkswagen
Updated on December 1,2024Reading time: 2 min.
The car manufacturer is in crisis: There will now be warning strikes at Volkswagen next week.
IG Metall is calling for nationwide warning strikes at Volkswagen this Monday. “warning strikes will begin in all factories on Monday,” announced Lower Saxony’s IG Metall district manager Thorsten Gröger. “If necessary, this will be the toughest collective bargaining battle Volkswagen has ever seen.” He initially did not give any details.
works council boss Daniela Cavallo emphasized that there was great frustration among the workforce.“I am sure that we will have an enormous response when the first actions take place.” According to VW, it has already taken precautions to minimize the impact of the warning strike.
“Volkswagen has set our collective agreements on fire and rather of putting out this fire in three collective negotiations, the board is throwing open barrels of gasoline into it,” emphasized IG Metall representative Gröger. “What now follows is the conflict that Volkswagen created – we didn’t want it, but we will fight it with as much commitment as necessary!”
the so-called peace obligation, during which strikes are not permitted, expired at midnight. IG Metall has already announced that it will call for temporary work stoppages at all locations from the beginning of December, but has not yet given any specific dates.
VW is preparing for the first major warning strike since 2018. The group had already taken targeted measures in advance to ensure emergency supplies, a Volkswagen spokesman said on Sunday. VW respects the right of employees to take part in a warning strike. “The company continues to rely on constructive dialog with co-determination to achieve a enduring and jointly supported solution.” The fourth round of negotiations is scheduled for December 9th.
In the collective bargaining dispute, the Volkswagen board is demanding, among other things, a wage cut of ten percent for the approximately 120,000 employees at the Wolfsburg, Braunschweig, Hanover, Salzgitter, Emden and Kassel locations as well as at three subsidiaries and is not ruling out plant closures. VW CFO Arno Antlitz recently justified this, among other things, with massive overcapacity. The board rejected a counter-proposal from the employees on the grounds that it would hardly lead to lasting financial relief for the group.
Before the third round of negotiations, the union and employees presented a proposal that included, among other things, the elimination of bonus payments and a working time fund. The collective bargaining agreement should therefore be adopted,but the money should not be paid out to the employees,but rather transferred to the fund. This fund should then be used to shorten working hours at locations where excess capacity is particularly large. They estimated the savings potential at 1.5 billion euros. At the same time,they demand perspectives for all locations.
What are the potential long-term effects of the IG Metall strikes on Volkswagen’s transition to electric vehicles?
Interview: The Future of VW Amidst IG Metall Strikes
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the most pressing issues affecting our world today.Joining us to discuss the IG Metall warning strikes at Volkswagen is Dr. Lena Schmidt, an expert in labor relations and automotive industry trends. Dr.Schmidt, thank you for being here.
Dr. Lena Schmidt: Thank you for having me. Its a pleasure to be here.
Editor: on December 1, 2024, IG Metall called for warning strikes at Volkswagen.Can you explain the meaning of these strikes and what they mean for the company and its employees?
dr. Schmidt: Absolutely. The warning strikes are essentially a tactic employed by unions,such as IG Metall,to signal to the employer that dissatisfaction is brewing among workers. In the case of Volkswagen, this indicates a serious concern over labor conditions, wages, or job security. these strikes serve as a strategic move to strengthen the union’s bargaining position in upcoming negotiations.
Editor: Given Volkswagen’s recent challenges,including shifts towards electric vehicles and global economic pressures,how do you see these strikes impacting the company’s future?
Dr. Schmidt: The strikes can have both short-term and long-term implications for VW.In the short term, they could disrupt production and affect the company’s supply chain. Long-term, though, they may push Volkswagen to address worker grievances more seriously, which could ultimately lead to a more engaged workforce.However,if unresolved,continued unrest could hinder VW’s competitive edge,especially as it transitions to electric vehicles.
Editor: That’s a vital point. We often hear about the conflict between labor rights and corporate objectives. How do you think Volkswagen can balance the needs of its workforce with the demands of an evolving automotive market?
Dr. Schmidt: it’s certainly a tightrope walk. Effective communication between management and workers is essential. Volkswagen will need to invest in employee training and advancement to prepare for the shift to electric vehicles, while also ensuring that compensation and job security align with the demands of the emerging market. Engaging workers in the transition may foster a more collaborative habitat, potentially mitigating the risk of strikes.
Editor: there are many stakeholders involved, from workers to management to shareholders. How does the response to these strikes play into the broader economic landscape, especially in Germany?
Dr. Schmidt: In Germany, labor movements have historically played a powerful role in shaping policy and corporate practices. The outcome of these strikes could not only influence Volkswagen’s internal policies but also set precedents for labor relations across othre sectors. If accomplished, it might empower other unions to act similarly, which can lead to a ripple effect in negotiations nationwide.
Editor: what should we keep an eye on in the coming weeks as these strikes unfold?
Dr. Schmidt: Key points to watch will be the responses from Volkswagen’s management and the outcomes of ongoing negotiations. Any notable concessions or resistance from either side will signal the likelihood of extended action. Moreover, public sentiment towards the strikes could also influence the negotiations and the company’s public image.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Schmidt, for your insightful analysis. It seems the situation at Volkswagen could be a pivotal moment in labor relations in the automotive industry. We appreciate your expertise and look forward to following this story as it develops.
Dr. Schmidt: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic. Let’s hope for a resolution that benefits all parties involved.