According to reports cited by the “Handelsblatt” based on several insiders, the planned corporate restructuring at Volkswagen is showing signs of a reduced impact on job losses. It is no longer anticipated that more than 100,000 jobs will be eliminated in Germany by 2030.
Oliver Blume, the CEO of the company, had previously stated that of an additional calculated requirement of around 50,000 jobs globally, roughly half would affect Germany. When added to the existing plan for approximately 50,000 positions, this suggests a likely total of around 75,000 jobs by 2030.
However, this positive trend contrasts with earlier warnings. Daniela Cavallo, a union representative, had cautioned during a meeting in Wolfsburg that up to 115,000 VW jobs in Germany were at risk. This alarming scenario, the “Handelsblatt” notes, is predicated on the condition that all four jeopardized plants-located in Emden, Hannover, Zwickau, and Neckarsulm-are forced to close without alternative solutions over the coming decade. This specific outcome is considered unlikely internally.
Adding to the ongoing uncertainty, the Supervisory Board is scheduled to re-evaluate Blume’s future plan this Friday. A comprehensive agreement remains difficult to achieve. Information from the “Handelsblatt” suggests that the company is considering both withdrawing the future of the four plants and separating the VW brand and component business from the current restructuring package. Meanwhile, Lower Saxony is pushing for a thorough review of the necessary reorganizations in the coming year, acting as a mediator in the corporate negotiations.
