Volkswagen is preparing for intense negotiations with the IG Metall union as it advances major cost-cutting measures. The automaker aims to eliminate an additional 12,000 jobs by 2030. This would come on top of a previously agreed reduction of 35,000 positions under its Future Plan 2030, which is intended to improve competitiveness.
The first round of negotiations is scheduled to begin on November 24 in Emden. Another meeting is planned for December 15 in Zwickau.
IG Metall is mobilizing against the proposed cuts and has demanded that Volkswagen withdraw its termination of several collective agreements. The current peace obligation ends on December 31, 2026. If the sides fail to reach an agreement, strikes could become possible starting in January 2027.