WOLFSBURG (dpa-AFX) - The works meeting at VW has begun with fierce protests from the workforce. Employees greeted the Board of Management with banners protesting against the latest cost-cutting plans. "Hands off job security", read one banner. On another, the Management Board was accused of "double standards" with regard to possible salary cuts.
More than 10,000 participants were expected to attend the staff meeting, with more expected to follow the assembly on screens in front of the hall. Head of the Works Council Daniela Cavallo had previously spoken of great uncertainty among the workforce and announced considerable resistance to the Board of Management's plans.
Europe's largest car manufacturer had announced on Monday that, in view of the worsening situation, it would once again tighten the austerity measures already implemented at the core VW brand. Plant closures in Germany and compulsory redundancies are no longer ruled out. According to the works council, VW is also demanding cuts to the company pay scale.
At the non-public works meeting, brand CEO Thomas Schäfer and Group CFO Arno Antlitz wanted to explain the cost-cutting plans. Group CEO Oliver Blume was also expected to attend. A further works meeting is planned for the afternoon at the Emden site./fjo/DP/ngu
