Volkswagen workers strike: Protests erupt at nine German factories
According to announcements, Volkswagen employees affiliated with the IG Metall union have initiated a warning strike at as many as nine German factories. They are protesting against the company's controversial plans.
On Monday, 2nd December 2024, operations at these nine German Volkswagen factories will be halted for at least several hours. As announced, thousands of people will gather at the company's headquarters in Wolfsburg. Demonstrations are also planned at the Hanover plant, which employs approximately 14,000 people, and at smaller facilities, including Emden, Salzgitter, and Brunswick.
The IG Metall union's representatives threaten to extend the protest if the desired agreement is not achieved. Employees demand that the company retract its announcement regarding the closure of some factories and a 10% salary reduction. In exchange, they are prepared to forego bonuses and pay raises for the next two years.
Volkswagen rejected this proposal during the last round of negotiations, held on 21 November. Another round of talks is scheduled for 9 December. However, given the escalation of the strike, decisions may be made sooner.
