Unrelenting Discontent among Volkswagen Staff Reaches Unprecedented Heights
In a series of moves that have sent ripples through the automotive industry, Volkswagen (VW) is transferring the production of the ID.4 electric vehicle to Emden, while the ID.3 and the Cupra Born will be produced in Wolfsburg.
This decision has sparked a wave of concern in Zwickau, a city that was the first to be fully converted to electric mobility, with billions invested and the workforce trained specifically for this purpose. Out of the original 11,000 jobs, only 8,500 will remain due to the changes, leading to a sense of discontent among the employees.
The employees in Zwickau feel they have been doing the "dirty work" while other locations receive the coveted electric vehicle models. This sentiment is further fuelled by the strong demand for the ID.7 and ID.7 Tourer in Emden, which has led to celebrations and the production of VW's 1.5 millionth electric vehicle in the city.
The mood in Zwickau is having consequences. Right-wing unions have joined the works council, a development that is seen as a worrying sign for the region. The political goal is to secure all German VW sites, including Zwickau and Emden, until 2030 and support their technological leadership and transformation. However, there are issues at the North Sea coast in Emden, where suppliers from the combustion engine world have left, and industrial parks stand empty.
The mayor of Emden, Tim Kruithoff, is demanding a "clear commitment to the location" from VW. Similarly, the Minister President Olaf Lies (SPD) has promised support for VW locations, but the future remains uncertain. VW has not yet decided how it will proceed by the end of next year, and the details of the "circular economy" plan for Zwickau remain unclear.
Politicians are celebrating the milestones, but the employees in Zwickau are frustrated. They thought they had the best prospects after the transformation, but their dreams were shattered in December. The employees' disappointment runs deep, and some openly speak of eastern Germany being disadvantaged.
As VW's future decisions will likely have a significant impact on both Emden and Zwickau, the regions await the automaker's next moves with bated breath.
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