Christiane Benner, head of the IG-Metall union and Deputy Chair of Volkswagen’s Supervisory Board, has cast serious doubt on the new cost-saving objectives introduced by the automotive giant. While the Supervisory Board has agreed in principle to set targets for profitability and cost reduction, Benner stated to the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung” that the board will need to assess during the upcoming planning cycle whether these goals are realistically achievable. This skepticism reflects a demand successfuly made by the labor side during negotiations over the comprehensive restructuring program.
The group had recently announced that the Supervisory Board unanimously approved the “Future Plan 2030,” the strategy put forth by the Executive Board. This plan includes the reduction of another 50,000 jobs globally. Prior to this approval, the company faced significant conflicts surrounding its cost-cutting measures.
Furthermore, Benner made it clear in her interview that the labor union will continue to reject the closure of any workshops. She pledged, “We will fight fiercely for every single plant.” The continued existence of four key factories-in Emden, Hannover, Neckarsulm, and Zwickau-is currently under threat at VW.
