VW works council head Cavallo accuses employers of betraying social partnership

Volkswagen's general works council chairwoman, Daniela Cavallo, has accused German employers of attacks on employee rights and a breach of social partnership. "The employers' side has lost decency," said Cavallo at a rally organized by the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) in Hanover. In the “maelstrom of the crisis,” companies tried to deliberately undermine hard-fought standards and collective bargaining protections for employees. "That makes me angry because I see it as a real betrayal."

The switch to electromobility, international conflicts in trade and the sharp decline in business in China have put pressure on the automotive industry, said Cavallo. Nevertheless, dealing with these problems should not be placed solely on the workforce. At VW, the company's management is currently threatening to close the locations in Hanover-Stöcken, Emden, Zwickau and Neckarsulm. This is “a declaration of war from the board of directors and the capital.”