Finally, an agreement was reached between the two. Volkswagen And the union IG Metal which would avoid the closure of German factories and forced layoffs. The price to pay? 35 thousand exits by 2030 and decline in productivity.
Agreement between Volkswagen and IG Metall
The last agreement with the unions to suspend collective layoffs was reached in 1994 and then canceled last September. The company, whose main objective is to reduce costs 17 billion Over the next two years, he initially pushed for 55,000 job cuts.
In the end, it was decided to proceed with reduced production activities at five plants to ensure operational continuity. In particular, the assembly line in Zwickau will be closed and converted exclusively to the production of electric models. Q4-etron by Audi. There ID.3 And Kapra was born. He will be transferred to Wolfsburg with the future. Electric golf. gave ID.4 A home will be found in Emden, while production of the traditional Golf will be moved to Mexico.
However, if layoffs and plant closures were avoided in Germany, on the other hand it all came at a cost. The plan actually envisages fundamental changes for operations in Germany. 35000 jobs (29% of total workforce). This would be through a “socially responsible downsizing”, with voluntary exits and unchanged retirements. In addition, the company’s productivity is expected to decline.
With the deal signed, Volkswagen has averted the risk of prolonged strikes and protests. The workers agreed to give up part of the bonus. Employment Guarantee By 2030.
German Chancellor Olaf Schulz described the deal as “positive and socially acceptable” that “guarantees a positive future for the group and its employees”. The agreement came after 70 hours of grueling negotiations: “We managed to find a solution for employees at Volkswagen sites that guarantees jobs, protects products and at the same time the future “allows significant investment,” the union announced. “The agreement represents an important signal for the future sustainability of the Volkswagen brand,” he said. Oliver BloomGroup CEO.
The company is reviewing its production strategy, carefully evaluating plant options. Dresda and plant reuse Osnabruck. In parallel, measures have been taken that will generate annual savings. 15 billion euros Starting in the medium term, without affecting the expected results for 2024. “No site will be closed, no one will be fired and our company’s wage agreement will be guaranteed in the long term,” said the Italian-German. Daniela CavalloPresident of the Works Council.
The Volkswagen crisis
From around September 100,000 workers He participated in two separate strikes. Second Patrick HummelOf Ubs, the strikes, if prolonged, could have hurt the group. 100 million euros per day.
The company’s problems are related to slowness. Chinese marketwhose profits managed to compensate for the poor results obtained in Europe.Electric carWith the development of Chinese technology and the lack of a convincing model produced by Volkswagen.
