Thorsten Gröger, the regional chairman of IG Metall in Lower Saxony, has criticized the proposed savings plans at Volkswagen and the communication strategies of the corporate executive board. Speaking to the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” (Sunday edition), Gröger stated that “the signs point to a conflict,” adding that while it is “clear that a dispute is being provoked that we do not want,” they are “naturally preparing for it.”
Gröger heavily criticized what he called a “communication disaster” over recent months, pointing out that the proposed layoffs had not been “concretely confirmed to the employees in large parts by the management board.” He advised the board to abandon these initiatives and adjust their course of action.
The union leader emphasized that the workers’ representatives “are not in a situation where we have to offer anything.” Given that significant cuts to staff had already occurred in 2024, Gröger stressed that IG Metall acts as a reliable partner that adheres to concluded agreements. He insisted that they now expect the promised benefits to materialize, citing specifically agreed-upon investments and a future strategy for the sites.
While noting there is a period of peace obligation until the end of the year when approaching tariff negotiations, Gröger reminded the public that there would theoretically be an opportunity to call for work stoppages in the new year. He asserted that what is demanded of the employees is “not proportionate to the distinctly problematic situation within the automotive industry,” according to the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”. He concluded that it is evident that “an attempt is being made to take advantage of the current situation to sustainably enforce measures and lower standards that would not have been accepted in better economic times.”
