The IG Metall union has called for widespread labor strikes at all Volkswagen factories in Germany from Monday as the company’s workers fight back against possible layoffs and pay cuts.
The German auto giant has demanded across-the-board pay cuts for workers and threatened factory closures and mass layoffs as part of a major cost-cutting program to boost worsening financial results.
A Volkswagen spokesperson said the company is preparing for a possible strike.
“We want to minimize the impact of the warning strike on our customers, our partners and our industrial plants as much as possible,” the company spokesperson said. “That is why the company has already taken specific measures in advance to secure emergency supplies.”
Labor leaders have vowed to wage a bitter and intense battle against such cuts. Collective negotiations are currently underway between VW and the IG Metall union, but have so far yielded little agreement.
According to the Volkswagen works council, at least three Volkswagen factories in Germany and tens of thousands of jobs are under pressure.
A mandatory labor truce at VW, which banned strikes, expired on Saturday.
The Volkswagen spokesman said the company “respects workers’ right” to participate in short strikes and will rely on constructive dialogue with union leaders to reach a lasting and mutually acceptable agreement.
Both sides will meet on December 9 for their next round of wage negotiations.
