In the run-up to the potentially decisive round of collective bargaining at Volkswagen next week in Hanover, IG Metall is pushing for a settlement to the dispute. "We are prepared to reach an agreement before the end of the year," said Thorsten Gröger, IG Metall's chief negotiator, according to a statement. "Now it's either the company sets the right course shortly before Christmas, or we run into a massive escalation in 2025."
On Monday, representatives of the company and the union plan to meet for their fifth round of collective bargaining, which has been scheduled for two days this time. The negotiations are due to start at 11 am. According to IG Metall, it is not possible to estimate how long they will last - not even in terms of the day.
Volkswagen is demanding a ten percent pay cut from employees due to the Group's difficult situation and also wants to cut various bonuses and allowances. Plant closures and compulsory redundancies are also still on the table.
In contrast, IG Metall is calling for all sites to be retained and a job guarantee for the approximately 130,000 employees. "A good solution is only one that creates prospects for all locations and employees in the regions," emphasized Gröger. She rejects permanent cuts to monthly wages.
After the fourth round of negotiations last Monday, both sides reported constructive talks for the first time. In terms of content, however, they are still further apart. Unlike the previous three rounds, the two sides are not meeting in Wolfsburg this time, but in a hotel in Hanover. The negotiations at the headquarters had recently been accompanied by protests and warning strikes.
Copyright 2024, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
