The Strategist

Volkswagen scraps job retention program in Germany



09/11/2024 - 11:18



Volkswagen has informed the majority of its German employees represented by the IG Metall union that several labor agreements, including a job retention program until 2029, will be terminated by the end of the year, according to the Financial Times.



Christoph Braun
Christoph Braun
The car manufacturer will have the ability to reduce their workforce starting in June of the upcoming year.

The company had been in agreements with IG Metall and its works council for approximately three decades. FT describes the abolition as a historic event.

Thorsten Gröger, who leads a local chapter of the union, mentioned that strikes are now a possibility and stated that Volkswagen would rather not be involved in such a dispute.

Last week, it announced extensive changes such as shutting down plants in Germany and reducing staff, citing a lack of anticipation for car demand in Europe to reach previous levels post-Japanese influence.

The company's chief financial officer, Arno Antlitz, stated that they anticipate selling approximately 500,000 fewer cars in the region per year compared to pre-pandemic levels, which is approximately the equivalent of two plants.

source: ft.com