Volkswagen job cut plans trigger political outcry in German regions

Volkswagen has indicated a possible reduction of up to 100,000 jobs worldwide, raising concerns about plant closures in Germany.

Hessian Economic Minister Kaweh Mansoori said the prospect is a shock for employees at the Baunatal plant, vowed to fight each job and called for transparent, socially‑partnered talks with VW management.

Salzgitter mayor Frank Klingebiel denounced the cuts, stating they break a December 2024 agreement reached by the VW board, supervisory board, works councils and IG Metall. He warned the plan damages trust in the VW leadership; the Salzgitter plant employs about 7,500 workers producing electric‑vehicle components. Klingebiel noted that Lower Saxony, which holds a 20 % VW stake and a veto right, will not support decisions that rely on plant closures.