Volkswagen factory closures ignite political storm in Germany
The prospect of closing several European Volkswagen factories has been stirring public opinion in Europe for weeks, and the matter is gradually taking on a political dimension. Even Olaf Scholz has become involved.
The dispute between Volkswagen and its employees is escalating. The IG Metall trade union has organised a further round of strikes for Monday, December 9th. This action opposes the company's plans to cut wages and close the least profitable factories.
The issue has inflamed Germany to the extent that the country's most important politicians have become involved. The German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, recently commented on the dispute, stating that closing factories would be a bad move.
"Concrete decisions will be negotiated between the owners and employee representatives, but my opinion is clear: closing factories would not be the right solution," Scholz told the Funke Media Group.
"That would not be right, because poor decisions by management have contributed to the difficult situation," he added.
