Warning strikes may begin in December. Collective bargaining negotiations between Volkswagen and its workers have reached an impasse in a dispute over billions in cost-cutting measures. Although both sides stated that the talks have not failed and plan to continue on December 9, the differences remain significant. The IG Metall union is preparing for warning strikes starting December 1, when Volkswagen's peace obligation ends, warning that if necessary, it could trigger one of Germany's rarest labor disputes in decades.

The employees demand that Volkswagen accept a 5.1% wage increase as per the pilot agreement in the metal and electrical industries. However, Volkswagen has called for a "negative round" with a 10% wage cut. Still, the company is open to discussing solutions that avoid layoffs and plant closures—provided its austerity targets are met. Volkswagen's core brand faces high costs and low returns, prompting cost-cutting measures to improve investment returns. The internal labor agreement affects around 120,000 employees!