Germany's IG Metall union is demanding that Volkswagen honor commitments made in a 2024 labor agreement as the automaker pursues another major restructuring. That agreement included plans for 35,000 job reductions, wage concessions, and guarantees related to jobs and investment, but union leaders now fear the company's turnaround strategy could threaten as many as 100,000 positions and four factories. IG Metall has invoked a clause in the agreement to request renewed discussions with management. The conflict highlights how unions use existing collective agreements to hold employers accountable during restructuring and protect employment security.
See "German union demands Volkswagen commitment to 2024 labour agreement", Christina Amann and Rachel More, Reuters, September 11, 2026