Volkswagen de México workers reject wage agreement

Workers at the Volkswagen de México plant in Puebla have rejected a proposed biennial wage and contract agreement. According to the Independent Union of Automotive Industry Workers (SITIAVW), 56.1 percent of valid votes—totaling 3,135 workers—voted against the deal, while 43.9 percent supported it. The rejected agreement included a global salary increase of 13.16 percent over 24 months.

Volkswagen expressed deep concern and disappointment regarding the vote, stating the proposal represented the “mayor esfuerzo viable” (greatest viable effort) given the current complex economic challenges facing the automotive market and the brand. The company warned that while it respects democratic labor processes, it is unwilling to avoid a strike if the costs jeopardize the future of the 70-year-old plant, which employs tens of thousands of people directly and indirectly.

If a new agreement is not reached, a strike is scheduled to begin at 11:00 hours on October 22, 2026. Until that time, plant operations remain normal.