Tengrinews.kz - The German labor union IG Metall has called for nationwide warning strikes at Volkswagen plants, set to begin on Monday, December 2. The union's decision comes as the company remains committed to plans for layoffs and wage reductions, according to Deutsche Welle.
Negotiations between Volkswagen management and employees, which mandated peaceful dispute resolution, expired at midnight on December 1.
On the evening of November 30, IG Metall announced that warning strikes would soon take place at all Volkswagen plants. The automaker has plans for mass layoffs and wage cuts, which have sparked discontent among workers.
Thorsten Groger, head of IG Metall's negotiation team, stated that the strikes are a necessary response to the company's persistence in pursuing dismissals and even closing several factories in Germany.
"We showed a willingness to compromise at the negotiation table, but our efforts were rejected. Now there will be warning strikes that the company cannot ignore. Production at all plants will be temporarily halted in the coming days," Groger said.
The union’s wage commission has unanimously voted in favor of the strikes to strengthen its position in the ongoing negotiations. The third round of collective bargaining talks with Volkswagen ended unsuccessfully on November 28, with discussions set to resume on December 9.
Volkswagen management argues that comprehensive restructuring measures are essential to ensure the company's long-term competitiveness.
Earlier, Volkswagen announced plans to close three factories in Germany and cut thousands of jobs as demand in China and Europe slumps and the transition to electric vehicles becomes more difficult.
