Volkswagen Workers Prepare for Largest Warning Strike Since 2018

The workers' union IG Metall announced that Volkswagen workers will go on warning strikes at factories across Germany tomorrow, marking the first major strike in Volkswagen's domestic operations since 2018. Worker representatives at VW had decided on limited strike action in Germany starting from early December after failing to make progress in negotiations regarding wages and factory closures on November 22. Thorsten Groeger, a negotiator for IG Metall, stated, "If necessary, this will be the toughest collective bargaining struggle Volkswagen has ever seen." Volkswagen indicated that it continues to rely on constructive dialogue to find a sustainable solution. In response to the union's announcement, a spokesperson said, "Volkswagen respects the employees' right to participate in warning strikes," adding that the company has taken prior steps to ensure basic supply to customers and minimize the impact of the strike. Warning strikes in Germany typically last for a few hours.