VW workers on the uprising: Warning strikes show the anger of the workforce!

VW workers on the uprising: Warning strikes show the anger of the workforce!

On Monday, December 2, 2024, there was a dramatic outcry by the VW workers! IG Metall called to Warnstreks in almost all Volkswagen plants, starting in Zwickau and followed by two hours of standstill in Wolfsburg, Hanover, Emden, Braunschweig and Chemnitz. Thousands of workers gathered in Wolfsburg in order to express their anger about the impending mass detections and wage cuts. The union referred to these actions as "pinprick war strikes", which were repeated in several layers to increase the pressure on corporate management.

But what is really behind these protests? Daniela Cavallo, the works council chief, tried to calm the minds by emphasizing that it was not about a real fight against the management, but about "letting down steam". Their demands sounded hollow while at the same time hailting responsibility to the workers who "all have to make their contribution". The IG Metall had previously offered the VW board savings on wages in the amount of 1.5 billion euros, but this was rejected by the corporate management as inadequate. The fear of the closure of works and massive layoffs hovers like a sword of Damocles over the employee.

The anger of the workers grows!

The warning strikes show the immense economic and social power of the VW workers. In Hanover, 5000 strikers moved through the city and called "board must out" while the residents applauded. The situation is tense: 3,000 jobs have already been dismantled in recent years, and a further 2000 are to follow by 2029. The impending closings and the reduction in work put the workforce in turmoil. However, IG Metall seems to be more interested in keeping the status quo than a serious struggle for the rights of workers.

The VW employees are on the crossroads: A comprehensive, indefinite strike could be the first step to stop the company management's clearing plans. IG Metall has to decide whether it wants to represent the interests of the workers or that of corporate management. The time for changes is now - the workers have to join together and fight for their rights!