Volkswagen workers in Puebla reject wage deal, prepare for potential strike

Workers at the Volkswagen plant in Puebla, Mexico, have rejected a 2026 salary and contractual revision proposal, leading to a potential strike scheduled for Thursday, October 22. The Independent Union of Automotive Industry Workers, Similar and Connected to Volkswagen of Mexico (SITIAVW) released an official guard schedule to organize members across three rotating shifts in the event of a work stoppage.

In a vote involving 5,608 participants, approximately 56% rejected the company's offer, which included a global wage increase of 13.16% valid for two years. Following the vote, the Mexican Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) and the Federal Center for Conciliation and Labor Registration urged both Volkswagen and the union to resume dialogue to maintain plant stability.

SITIAVW has established strict guidelines for its members during the potential strike, including mandatory identification and specific arrival times for picket duties. The union warned that members who fail to report for their assigned shifts will face sanctions according to internal statutes.