Volkswagen: Jobs secured – collective bargaining agreements celebrate success!

Volkswagen: Jobs secured – collective bargaining agreements celebrate success!

What would have happened if Volkswagen had actually cut 55,000 jobs? This is a burning question that many employees and their families asked themselves after the alarming plans of the automobile company that recently became known. On July 1, 2025, decisive negotiations took place that were intended to secure the existence of many employees at the site. IG Metall and its employees did everything they could to stop more massive cuts. However, thanks to persistent negotiations, the threatening situation was averted. The agreement includes the exclusion of operational layoffs until the end of 2030 and the ban on factory closures.

“There is something going on” – and not just for the families affected. The statement from IG Metall clearly shows that the workforce was united against the oppressive plans of the VW board. Around 100,000 employees demonstrated on two days of warning strikes to draw attention to the precarity of their future. After over 70 hours of passionate negotiations, a comprehensive collective bargaining agreement has now been reached that guarantees planning security and jobs for the coming years. igmetall-salzgitter-peine.de reports that the deal also secures investments in the future of Volkswagen.

Secure jobs and fair conditions

The agreement also stipulates that the basic monthly salary will not be reduced, which is a relief for many employees. In addition, a 5 percent increase in the pay scale will be implemented from January 1, 2031, which will further stabilize the employees' financial situation. A factory occupancy roadmap was also adopted, with future production locations and models identified, including the popular ID.Golf and ID.3 vehicles. In addition, igmetall.de reports that training allowances will increase by 140 euros per year from March 1, 2025.

The collective agreement runs until December 31, 2026 and thus creates a clear framework for developments in the coming years. In addition to the creation of 600 training places and dual study places, an obligation to take on trainees also applies again. In this way, Volkswagen also shows a good knack for promoting young talent and securing the skilled workers of tomorrow.

Market situation and job situation

But what is the general market and job situation? The challenges in the labor market remain significant, as current statistics show. Wages in many industries are stagnating, while at the same time companies are under pressure to reduce costs statistics.arbeitsagentur.de. However, graduating from Volkswagen shows that a lot can be achieved with collective effort and solidarity.

One-off payments of 600 euros gross for employees who have not been terminated during certain periods round off the new collective agreement and give employees additional financial flexibility. The new collective agreement is not only a breathing exercise for the negotiators, but also a breath of fresh air for everyone standing at the factory gates. The contractually agreed regulations create better predictability and support the workforce in the current phase of uncertainty.

Overall, this agreement ensures a sustainable perspective in the automotive industry and gives rise to hope for improvement - both for the employees and for the Volkswagen Group.