VW is pushing for savings in personnel costs in the wage negotiations. IG Metall is warning of a round of cuts.
Volkswagen has rejected IG Metall’s wage demands and is threatening to cut salaries. “Instead of burdening costs, we need cost relief,” said VW negotiator Arne Meiswinkel, head of human resources at the core Volkswagen brand, after the first round of negotiations in Hanover. “This will also require a contribution from employees.”
According to the union, this would effectively amount to a round of losses. “That’s how you have to interpret it,” said IG Metall negotiator Thorsten Gröger after the end of the three-hour talks. IG Metall is demanding a seven percent pay increase at VW, as it is for the entire industry.
According to IG Metall, there was also no rapprochement in the dispute over possible plant closures and layoffs. “That was not made more specific, but rather the general situation was maintained,” said Gröger. A new negotiation date has not yet been agreed. However, Gröger hopes that it will take place before the end of November.
Source: Stern
