Volkswagen de México workers reject unilateral layoffs in Puebla

The Independent Union of Automotive Workers of Volkswagen de México (SITIAVW) has rejected unilateral personnel cuts at the company’s Cuautlancingo plant in Puebla. The union clarified that the suppression of jobs was not part of the recent 2026-2028 wage negotiations, which included a 10.04% global increase and a one-time bonus.

Volkswagen announced the indefinite suspension of one of the three production shifts for Jetta and Tiguan models, a move that could affect approximately 1,200 employees. While the union maintains it did not authorize these layoffs, some workers have accused union leader Hugo Tlalpan Luna of negotiating contract modifications, such as Clause 86, without full commission consultation.

In response to the potential job losses, the Puebla state government, through Secretary of Economic Development Víctor Gabriel Chedraui, is seeking labor alternatives for affected workers. Meanwhile, a union vote is scheduled for September 11 to determine the acceptance of the recent contractual agreement.