For the first time, entire Volkswagen plants in Germany are under review. At a company meeting held at the Wolfsburg headquarters, management is expected to inform the workforce about future plans. VW’s Works Council Chairwoman, Daniela Cavallo, anticipates a fully packed hall, expressing on Monday that employees are likely to voice their dissatisfaction loudly in response to the cost-cutting measures. Workers are dealing with significant concerns, including fears for their livelihoods. So far, the Works Council has supported the ongoing cost-saving initiatives, including job cuts through early retirement and severance packages. However, from the company’s perspective, these measures are no longer sufficient to meet the set savings targets. Cavallo has scheduled a press conference for the early afternoon, along with Thorsten Gröger, the district leader of IG Metall for Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.
Gap of Two to Three Billion Euros in Savings
Volkswagen brand chief, Thomas Schäfer, is also expected to speak to the workforce today, informing them about the planned cost-saving measures, which may include possible plant closures and layoffs. According to reports from NDR Lower Saxony, Volkswagen Group CEO, Oliver Blume, will also be present at the meeting. The unions and politicians have expressed concern following VW’s cost-cutting proposals announced on Monday. “Handelsblatt” reports that the current savings plans still face a gap of two to three billion euros.
Emden VW Works Council Chair: “A Blow to the Stomach”
At Volkswagen’s Emden plant, a company meeting is scheduled for Thursday. Emden’s Works Council Chair, Manfred Wulff, described the board’s plans as “an absolute blow to the stomach” in a statement to NDR Lower Saxony. For 30 years, crises at Volkswagen have been resolved at the negotiation table, but now, according to Wulff, it is no longer a partnership. The company has miscalculated strategies, notably with the lack of entry-level electric vehicles. Wulff announced that Thursday’s meeting would be loud, with VW brand chief Thomas Schäfer present, and questions would be raised about what the board’s plans mean for the Emden plant.
