Berlin (Agencies): Tens of thousands of Volkswagen workers walked off the job across Germany on Monday in a massive strike against potential job cuts and factory closures. The action marks an escalating dispute as unions accuse the auto giant of threatening mass layoffs and undermining Germany’s industrial base.
Waving IG Metall union flags and signs like “You want war, we are ready!”, employees protested at major plants, including Wolfsburg and Zwickau. The industrial action follows Volkswagen’s September announcement of possible plant closures due to high manufacturing costs, slow electric vehicle (EV) transitions, and declining sales in China.
Union leader Daniela Cavallo accused Volkswagen of “selling out Germany as an industrial hub” but assured workers the “Volkswagen family” was united for a prolonged struggle. Negotiator Thorsten Groeger warned of a historic wage dispute, accusing VW of dismantling collective agreements.
Some 66,000 workers participated in the strike, with further walkouts planned.
Volkswagen stated it respects workers’ rights and remains committed to dialogue while ensuring essential deliveries during the strike.
VW’s struggles reflect broader challenges in Europe’s auto industry, with weak demand, slow EV adoption, and profit cuts by major players like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. VW reported a 64% drop in third-quarter profits and faces rising competition in China, where domestic rivals dominate.
Labour representatives claim VW plans to close three plants, cut tens of thousands of jobs, and reduce pay for remaining workers by 10%. The strikes come amid Germany’s economic woes and political uncertainty ahead of February elections, intensifying stakes in what could become a defining labor conflict for the country’s auto industry.