Volkswagen terminates ten collective bargaining agreements

Volkswagen has issued notices to terminate ten components of its collective bargaining agreements, effective December 31, 2026. The move affects approximately 130,000 employees of Volkswagen AG and its subsidiaries.

Key regulations targeted for termination include wage agreements, framework agreements, rules regarding job grading, supplements, additional compensation, and performance-based personnel assessment. The changes also impact agreements for special working hours and specific provisions for apprentices and dual students regarding future employment.

IG Metall has criticized the decision, stating that Volkswagen intends to use a “chainsaw” to cut through 80 years of collective bargaining history. While the current workforce will not see an immediate disappearance of all benefits on January 1, 2027, the new regulations will apply to new hires.