IG Metall criticizes Volkswagen for terminating collective agreements

IG Metall district manager Thorsten Gröger sharply criticized the Volkswagen management after the termination of numerous collective agreements. The manner was “disrespectful towards his own employees,” Gröger told Deutschlandfunk. The approach is also “irresponsible towards the company itself” because it starts a conflict that Volkswagen cannot use.

As an example, Gröger cited a conversation about the future collective agreement of 2024. The employee representatives listened to a 50-minute presentation by the company. “Not a word about any plans to terminate collective agreements.” The press had already reported on the plans during the conversation. “So once again the company let the public know in advance what it actually planned to do with its own employees.”

The termination of the general collective agreement and thus the general conditions for the employees is “a unique event in the history of Volkswagen”. The interest group is prepared for the dispute.

In the struggle for sharper savings, Volkswagen recently terminated a large part of its collective agreements - including the important collective agreement. From the company's perspective, various provisions in these contracts need to be adjusted in view of the current cost pressure

The VW board of directors wants to cut 50,000 jobs worldwide in the coming years - in addition to previous reduction plans within the group. Brands and companies are therefore tasked with planning this out. Half could be attributable to German locations. However, concrete programs must first be negotiated with the employees. In addition, the future of the VW plants in Emden, Hanover and Zwickau as well as the Audi site in Neckarsulm beyond the years 2031 to 2034 is open.