Volkswagen Germany Strike 2025: Workers Protest Cost-Cutting Amid Factory Closures and Job Cuts
In 2025, Volkswagen employees across Germany have launched strikes in response to the automaker's aggressive cost-cutting strategy involving factory shutdowns and workforce reductions.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- In 2024, Volkswagen employees in Germany initiated strikes against the company's cost-reduction plans.
- The workforce opposes factory closures, job losses, and pay cuts proposed by Volkswagen.
- Volkswagen employs approximately 300,000 workers and runs 10 manufacturing plants in Germany.
In 2024, Volkswagen AG's workforce across Germany began a series of strikes responding to the automaker's announced plans to reduce costs significantly.
The German automotive giant is facing intense pressure from rising competition, notably from Chinese manufacturers, escalating operational expenses, and a slow market uptake of electric vehicles (EVs), prompting plans to close multiple factories and cut thousands of jobs and salaries.
According to Bloomberg, workers have staged temporary walkouts at nine of Volkswagen's ten German plants, protesting against potential shutdowns of up to three factories and the resulting layoffs.
As reported by The Wall Street Journal, Volkswagen's German operations include around 300,000 employees across 10 plants, with the proposed closures marking the first such factory shutdowns in the country.
Volkswagen has communicated with employees through internal channels and implemented proactive measures to minimize disruptions to both customers and production facilities.
A company spokesperson stated, "Volkswagen respects employees' rights to participate in warning strikes. We remain committed to constructive dialogue and co-determination to reach a sustainable, mutually supported resolution."
The labor union IG Metall has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Update – June 2024: Volkswagen has provided official comments addressing the ongoing strike situation.
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