Volkswagen Workers Threaten Strikes Over Wage Deal Cancellations
IG Metall union members threaten strikes in January 2027 unless Volkswagen reverses the cancellation of wage agreements by the end of October.
Workers at Volkswagen Group have threatened to launch strikes starting in January 2027 if the automaker does not reverse its recent cancellation of wage deals by the end of October. The dispute escalated after the company terminated nearly all wage agreements with German employees, leaving working hours and holiday pay open to renegotiation.
These measures are part of a massive overhaul intended to combat high tariff costs, the transition to electric vehicles, and competition from China. The plan includes cutting 100,000 jobs and potentially closing up to four plants in Germany. Additionally, the executive board reportedly intends to freeze salaries for 660,000 global staff until 2030.
IG Metall demands a return to previous commitments, while Volkswagen maintains that all cost-cutting options are necessary to remain competitive. Union and management representatives have met in Hanover to discuss the crisis, though the union has set a firm deadline for the company to withdraw the termination notice to avoid industrial action.
