Volkswagen Group Works Council consultation session at CARIAD Berlin: Taking a firm stand for jobs and the future

There is a great deal of uncertainty amongst the workforce, and therefore the need for clarity and dialogue: 80 employees took part in the Works Council consultation session at CARIAD Berlin to discuss the current situation, ask questions and send a clear message to management. The event was accompanied by our ‘Coffee & Talk’ event outside the company building, where numerous colleagues took the opportunity to have one-to-one conversations, continue the discussions and raise questions. This marks the start of the IG Metall colleagues’ efforts over the coming weeks to stand up for their future at CARIAD.

The atmosphere was tense. Many employees expressed their concern about the future of their jobs, their anger at the board’s current plans and their incomprehension that the workforce is now expected to bear the consequences of management decisions.

The discussion centred on the well-known attacks on key collective agreement provisions and the measures announced by the board. Three weeks ago, at a Works Meeting, plans to force up to 1,600 employees out of the company had already come to light. Since then, the situation has not eased. On the contrary: further announcements regarding staff costs, site structure, collaboration and subsidiaries are causing additional uncertainty.

For many colleagues, one thing is clear: behind all the nice-sounding management jargon lie concrete cuts. Whether it is pressure on wages and benefits, restrictions on mobile work, the relocation of teams or the closure of business units – the concerns amongst the workforce are very real.

At the same time, the works council made it clear that employees are not left defenceless. The existing job security protects against terminations for operational reasons until the end of 2029.

The central message of the event was therefore clear: employees are not responsible for strategic missteps by management. Instead of putting jobs at risk, CARIAD needs a strategy for the future, clarity with the group and investment in the workforce.

IG Metall has made it clear that, together with the works council and the workforce, it will fight to save every single job. The demands are on the table: protection and extension of job security, continuation of the terminated collective agreements, reliable prospects for the site, and a corporate strategy that builds a future rather than creating uncertainty.

The high turnout at the works council consultation session and the numerous discussions on site show that the employees stand united. And it is precisely this solidarity that will be crucial in resolutely countering the current attacks on jobs and working conditions.

Our promise remains: we will fight for every job. Together. In solidarity. Determined. See you over the coming weeks!