Volkswagen labour chief says confidence in CEO damaged but can be repaired
Workers said Volkswagen’s communication on restructuring was disastrous as executives began nine meetings to answer criticism over possible plant losses and up to 50,000 more job cuts.
- On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume faced jeers from about 10,000 workers at the Wolfsburg factory during an extraordinary works meeting outlining restructuring plans that could put up to 100,000 jobs in play.
- Facing intense competition from Chinese rivals and rising US tariffs, management argues Volkswagen suffers a 30% overhead cost disadvantage compared to peers, necessitating deep restructuring to restore long-term competitiveness.
- Volkswagen Works Council Chair Daniela Cavallo condemned the board's "disastrous external communication," stating that trust in Blume "has been damaged" while warning that reductions must be negotiated under Germany's co-determination system.
- Management identified four German plants, including sites in Emden and Zwickau, that may struggle to reach profitability in the 2030s, though Blume emphasized closing facilities remains a last resort.
- With labor representatives controlling half of supervisory board seats and the state of Lower Saxony holding a 20% voting stake, executives cannot unilaterally impose the plan, turning restructuring into a complex political negotiation.
141 Articles
141 Articles
Volkswagen Group Boss Oliver Blume Jeered by German Factory Workers Over Potential Job Cuts
Oliver Blume got a hostile reception from Wolfsburg factory workers on August 25 as the chief executive tried to defend a restructuring plan that could ultimately put up to 100,000 jobs in play. He and Volkswagen brand chief Thomas Schafer were there to explain another 50,000 job cuts on top of the roughly 50,000 job reductions already agreed with labor representatives. More than 10,000 workers gathered at the headquarters, booing the chi... (co…
Emergency meeting between Volkswagen management and workers fails - Plant closures in Germany possible
Oliver Blume, the Chairman of the Executive Board of the German automaker, began on Tuesday 25 August a tour of the group's factories to convince employees of the need to remove 50,000 additional posts.
DEXYPTAGE - The boss Oliver Blume believes that the situation of the group is "more than critical". Wind up against the job losses that could exceed 100,000, the employees prepare for the conflict.
The Volkswagen manufacturer announced a new adjustment plan that contemplates 50,000 additional layoffs and maintains in doubt the future of four floors.
Volkswagen Workers Demand Detailed Answers From Management About Planned Measures, Including Layoffs
There is unrest among Volkswagen workers in Germany. More than ten thousand employees gathered at an extraordinary workers' meeting to demand detailed answers from management about the company's planned downsizing and layoffs.
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