The works council at auto supplier Bosch is calling for a comprehensive discussion involving employers, unions, and politicians. Frank Sell, Chairman of the Works Council for Bosch Mobility, told “Spiegel”, “We cannot continue like this.” He stressed the need for a task force encompassing representatives from automotive and supply chain companies, employees, trade unions, and political figures. This group should only conclude when solutions are developed that secure the future of the industry in Germany.
This demand stems from growing disputes over working hours and company-wide saving programs within the sector. Last Friday, thousands of Mercedes-Benz employees protested outside the corporate headquarters in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim against CEO Ola Källenius’s demand that workers put in more hours while receiving the same pay. Prior to this protest, Mr. Källenius and HR Director Britta Seeger had urged staff in a company message to work longer across all departments for no additional compensation.
The IG Metall union has warned of a “hot summer and autumn,” indicating plans for further protests at other manufacturers and suppliers. These include Volkswagen, where CEO Oliver Blume is scheduled to present a radical plan for cost reduction and restructuring to the supervisory board this week.
Discussions surrounding longer working hours are also meeting sharp criticism at BMW. Martin Kimmich, the works council head at BMW, told “Spiegel” that anyone who doesn’t suggest returning to the 40-hour workweek has clearly failed to recognize current circumstances.
