Volkswagen Workers Threaten January Strikes Over Cancelled Wage Deals

Volkswagen workers threatened strikes from January unless Europe's largest automaker reverses its cancellation of wage agreements by the end of next week. IG Metall's chief negotiator Thorsten Groeger issued the ultimatum during talks in Hanover, warning that failure to withdraw the termination notice would "pave the way for industrial action at Volkswagen." Volkswagen terminated nearly all wage deals with German workers last month, putting working hours and holiday pay up for renegotiation. The company plans to cut 100,000 jobs and may close up to four German plants in its biggest-ever overhaul, citing fierce Chinese competition, billions in tariff costs and the shift to electric vehicles. A current truce rules out strikes before January 1. Volkswagen's works council said the executive board plans to freeze salaries of 660,000 staff worldwide until 2030. Wage negotiations are due to begin by early December, with Groeger calling for a November 24 start. Volkswagen declined to comment on specific restructuring measures.