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About 175,000 automotive workers took part in protests across Germany on Monday against planned job cuts and plant closures, the IG Metall union said.
Employees from all major carmakers, as well as dozens of large and small suppliers, joined demonstrations at around 280 locations, including automotive hubs such as Wolfsburg, Zwickau and Stuttgart, according to IG Metall.
Union demands investment and job protection
IG Metall Chairwoman Christiane Benner criticised what she described as years of management failures and inadequate corporate crisis strategies.
“Managements must finally understand: throwing people out will not save the economy,” Benner said. “Success will only come through innovation and bold investments in products, technology, and production sites.”
Workers from “Volkswagen”, its subsidiaries, suppliers and partner companies in development and transport took part in the protests. Employees from “MAN” and “Bosch” also joined demonstrations in Salzgitter.
With wage negotiations approaching, IG Metall is demanding increased investment in German production sites and the preservation of the 35-hour working week. The union has also urged the government to support the industry by cutting electricity prices and reducing bureaucracy.
German car industry faces mounting pressure
Germany’s automotive sector is facing growing pressure from stronger competition from China, underused factories and the costly transition to electric vehicles.
Several automakers and suppliers have responded with restructuring plans aimed at reducing costs, raising concerns about mass layoffs and possible plant closures.
