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07/09/2026 July 9, 2026 Volkswagen braces for union clash over reported mega-restructuring Volkswagen bosses are meeting Thursday to discuss what could become the biggest restructuring
07/09/2026 July 9, 2026 Volkswagen braces for union clash over reported mega-restructuring Volkswagen bosses are meeting Thursday to discuss what could become the biggest restructuring in global auto industry history, with unions preparing protests against any mass job cuts. The German auto giant is already cutting 50,000 jobs in Germany by 2030 under a deal reached with unions at the end of 2024.
But CEO Oliver Blume is now considering cutting 100,000 jobs worldwide, as well as closing three German VW plants and an Audi factory, Manager Magazin reported, citing company sources. The head of Germany's largest union IG Metall, Christiane Benner, and VW works council head Daniela Cavallo warned they would oppose such plans "with all our might." The proposals would be difficult to push through.
VW's supervisory board is usually evenly split between worker and shareholder representatives. However, the workers' side currently has a majority after a recent resignation. Meanwhile, the state of Lower Saxony holds a blocking minority. No major announcement is expected immediately after Thursday's meeting, which is likely to mark the start of lengthy negotiations. Volkswagen is under pressure from US tariffs, weaker electric vehicle margins and fierce competition in China, where its deliveries have fallen to their lowest level since 2011.
Blume has warned that VW's old business model "no longer works," citing trade tensions, regulation and high costs in Europe. He has also said the group cannot compete with underused factories as Chinese rivals expand into Europe with more efficient plants.
The BriefWire