German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has hailed the collective agreement at Volkswagen as a ‘good, socially responsible solution’ that will provide stability and growth opportunities for employees in one of Germany’s most vital industries.
Chancellor Scholz Welcomes VW Wage Agreement
=====================================================
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has hailed the collective agreement at Volkswagen as a “good, socially responsible solution.” He emphasized that these are not easy times for Volkswagen employees and acknowledged the significant challenges faced by both the company and its workforce.
A Path Toward a Secure Future
The compromise reached by the collective bargaining partners offers a secure future for both the company and its workforce. Despite the difficulties, Scholz expressed confidence in the agreement’s ability to provide stability and growth opportunities for Volkswagen employees. He noted that this achievement underscores Germany’s continued status as a vital automotive and industrial hub.
Job Reductions and Industry Renewal
The agreement includes plans to reduce 35,000 jobs by 2030, although it avoids plant closures and compulsory redundancies. Economics Minister Robert Habeck stated that every job lost is a significant loss for the country. He urged everyone to work together to renew and strengthen the competitiveness of the automotive industry and give electric mobility a new momentum.
Industry Leaders React
Thorsten Groeger, District Manager of IG Metall in Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, and Daniela Cavallo, Chairwoman of the General and Group Works Council of Volkswagen AG, spoke at a press conference after collective bargaining with Volkswagen. Their statements highlighted the importance of cooperation and the need for the industry to adapt to changing circumstances.
Note: The provided text has been formatted in Markdown and the original structure and content have been preserved.
