Volkswagen unions draw a hard line on Germany plant closures citing 2024 deal

Volkswagen unions say plant closures are off the table

Volkswagen labor leaders in Germany have pledged they will not allow any factory closures, even as the automaker seeks to cut excess capacity. In a Reuters statement, works council head Daniela Cavallo and union leaders from IG Metall and regional unions anchored their stance in a 2024 restructuring agreement, calling its “red lines” non-negotiable. While they welcome proposals to secure under-used sites—possibly through plant-sharing or defense and Chinese partnerships—they warn they will fight anything that undermines job security and career prospects.