Protests at VW: Employees in Emden defend themselves against savings plans

Protests at VW: Employees in Emden defend themselves against savings plans

At the most recent company meeting of Volkswagen (VW) in Emden on September 5th there was an impressive expression of displeasure on the part of the employees. Around 4,500 employees who gathered for the early shift and the administrative staff welcomed the VW brand boss Thomas Schäfer with a loud whistle concert. The atmosphere was tense because, despite the loud protests, the company captures its controversial savings plans, which could potentially draw business closures and layoffs.

The meeting in Emden was not only a moment of the protest, but also a sign of concern about future job security. The focus is particularly on the work in Emden, which was recently modernized by 1.3 billion euros to enable electric cars to be produced. Despite this significant investment, the employees of the less positive news do not seem to be able to escape.

mass protests in Wolfsburg and Salzgitter

However, the unrest at VW extends beyond Emden. A day before, on September 4, around 25,000 employees took part in a similar company meeting in Wolfsburg to express their concern about the future planning of VW. The board announced on Monday that work closures and operating terminations were no longer excluded. This shocked many employees because a previously agreed employment guarantee is now questioned by 2029.

in Salzgitter also took place on the same day, which were characterized by the ongoing uncertainty about the workplace situation. The employees are alarmed by the necessary but at the same time worrying pressure, which is exercised to the workforce by the planned austerity course.

The management of VW has stated that the security of the locations and the employment guarantee is no longer in the air. However, this step was sharply criticized by the works council, who does not want to accept him. VW works council chief Daniela Cavallo announced that it would make "massive resistance" against the austerity course in order to defend the jobs of the employees.

government observes the development

The situation at VW also remains an important topic for the federal government. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) was informed about the developments in the company and spoke to both management and members of the works council. Scholz recognizes the great importance of VW for the German auto industry and the challenges with which the entire industry is confronted. Nevertheless, the government made it clear that it would not interfere with corporate policy; It is the responsibility of VW to find solutions to the upcoming problems.