German Volkswagen workers threaten strikes over pay cuts
German Volkswagen employees have reached their limit. They are threatening a warning strike that could potentially escalate into a prolonged protest.
On 21 November, after the third round of negotiations with the company's management ended in failure, IG Metall representatives announced possible strikes. They are now transitioning from words to actions, clearly inciting rebellion.
"Strikes are possible and also necessary from the beginning of December," stated an IG Metall leaflet addressed to employees. According to the announcements, German Volkswagen factories could cease operations on Monday, 2 December. Initially, the stoppage may last a few hours, but an extension of the protest has not been ruled out.
Employees of the German company are resisting a 10% pay cut. They also expect Volkswagen to abstain from closing factories. In return, they are prepared to forgo annual bonuses and salary increases for the next two years.
Union representatives and company management will reconvene on 9 December for the fourth round of negotiations. Time will reveal whether potential disruptions caused by strikes will compel the management to compromise.
