‘Future Plan’ with a Red Pen: VW Employees Remain in Limbo

Volkswagen is pushing forward with a significant restructuring, aiming to cut its model range by up to 50% and reduce available equipment options by as much as 75%. This strategic move, part of the "Future Plan 2030," was presented to the company's supervisory board. However, the board remained silent on potential job cuts and plant closures, issues that have been circulating in media reports.

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With our future plan, we are entering the next phase of transformation under our own power.

CEO Oliver Blume described the plan as a self-driven initiative to enter the next phase of transformation. While outlining the ambitious goals for streamlining production and offerings, Blume avoided specific comments on workforce reductions or facility closures. This lack of concrete information has fueled anxiety among employees and their representatives.

Industry expert Ferdinand Dudenhöffer characterized the supervisory board meeting as one where only general, largely pre-announced goals were communicated, with no specific decisions made regarding plants or employment. This has intensified pressure on management.

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No decisions were made at the VW supervisory board meeting, only general goals were communicated – which were actually already known for the most part.

Works council chair Daniela Cavallo voiced strong dissatisfaction, calling the board's handling of the situation disrespectful. She demanded that Blume address the workforce directly and unequivocally clarify the rumors surrounding the executive board's plans. Cavallo stated, "It's enough! The last straw has been reached." She stressed that Blume is now obligated to mitigate the significant damage caused by the current uncertainty.

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It's enough! The last straw has been reached. The executive board's treatment of the workforce can no longer be surpassed in disrespect.

Lower Saxony's Minister-President Olaf Lies, a member of the supervisory board, described the meeting as "very intense." He acknowledged that the executive board presented a broad package of measures requiring further work, anticipating a challenging period ahead. Lies admitted that the timeline for crucial decisions remains unclear but reiterated that closing plants is not a viable future concept and that the company needs a clear perspective for its locations.

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The closing of plants is not a concept for the future.