IG Metall Calls for Nationwide Strikes at Volkswagen in Germany
The IG Metall union has announced widespread warning strikes at the automaker Volkswagen in Germany. “Warning strikes will begin in all plants on Monday,” said Thorsten Gröger, the IG Metall district leader in Lower Saxony. He did not provide specific details.
The peace obligation, which prohibits strikes, expired at midnight. IG Metall had already announced plans to call for temporary work stoppages at all sites starting in early December but had not specified dates.
A VW spokesperson stated that the manufacturer is prepared and aims to minimize the impact of the warning strikes. He further stated that they respect the employees’ right to participate in a warning strike.
VW Intends to Cut Wages
The dispute revolves around the pay of approximately 120,000 employees in Volkswagen AG’s plants, where there is a company-specific wage agreement. VW has so far rejected any wage increases and is demanding a ten percent wage cut due to the company’s difficult situation.
Possible plant closures and layoffs are also on the table. Both sides are set to meet for their next wage negotiation on December 9.
There were warning strikes at individual sites in the last in-house wage round at VW in 2021. The last widespread actions at all six major plants in West Germany occurred in 2018. According to IG Metall, more than 50,000 employees participated at that time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the reason behind the warning strikes at Volkswagen?
The warning strikes at Volkswagen are due to the ongoing dispute over wages and working conditions for the company’s employees.
2. How many employees are affected by the warning strikes?
Approximately 120,000 employees in Volkswagen AG’s plants are impacted by the warning strikes.
3. When did the peace obligation, which prohibits strikes, expire?
The peace obligation expired at midnight before the warning strikes were announced.
4. What is VW’s stance on the wage negotiations?
Volkswagen has rejected any wage increases and is instead pushing for a ten percent wage cut citing the company’s difficult financial situation.
5. When are both sides scheduled to meet for their next wage negotiation?
The next wage negotiation between Volkswagen and IG Metall is set to take place on December 9.
6. When was the last time warning strikes occurred at VW?
The last warning strikes at individual sites happened in the in-house wage round in 2021, while the last widespread actions at all major plants were in 2018.
7. How is Volkswagen preparing to handle the warning strikes?
Volkswagen has stated that they are prepared and are working to minimize the impact of the warning strikes on their operations.
8. What rights do employees have to participate in warning strikes?
Employees have the right to participate in warning strikes as a form of collective bargaining to address workplace issues.
9. Are there plans for layoffs or plant closures at Volkswagen?
Possible plant closures and layoffs are being considered as part of the ongoing negotiations between Volkswagen and the union.
10. How can employees stay informed about the developments regarding the warning strikes?
Employees can stay updated on the latest news and developments regarding the warning strikes by following official announcements from IG Metall and Volkswagen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the announcement of nationwide warning strikes at Volkswagen in Germany highlights the ongoing tensions between the company and its employees regarding wages and working conditions. As both sides prepare for further negotiations, the outcome of these strikes could have significant implications for the automotive industry in Germany.
Tags:
IG Metall, Volkswagen, Strikes, Germany, Automotive Industry