In light of significant shows of power by IG Metall, the largest industrial union in Europe and the most prominent metalworkers’ union in Germany, Volkswagen has announced that they will be offering over 100,000 employees more flexible schedules, improved wages, and better pension options. Following their first strikes in over a decade and various 24-hour strikes by IG Metall throughout the country, the European car manufacturer has reached an agreement with the union to raise wages by 4.3 percent from May and to give workers extra payments of 27.5 percent of their monthly wage once a year from next year onwards. This change has been met with optimism from both sides as Volkswagen is becoming a more attractive employer and its employees feel that their concerns are heard and acted upon.
See "Volkswagen reaches German deal on wages, leave, pensions", Maria Sheahan, Reuters, February 22, 2018