Volkswagen Osnabrueck Workers Strike

FRANKFURT (Reuters) – Workers at Volkswagen's Osnabrueck plant, seen as a potential closure target amid restructuring, are holding new warning strikes on Wednesday over pay, according to the IG Metall union.

This is the second strike in two weeks, indicating rising tensions over Volkswagen's cost-cutting and possible factory closures in Germany.

Strikes at other western German Volkswagen plants can only commence in December. However, the labor contracts for Osnabrueck allow for current strikes.

Starting around 0930 CET (0830 GMT), workers will march from the plant to the local IG Metall headquarters, joining staff from other businesses by 1030 CET, as reported by the union.

IG Metall is pushing for a 7% wage increase, while employers' groups propose a 3.6% raise spread over 27 months. Companies deem the union's demands unrealistic.

The Osnabrueck plant, employing around 2,300, produces Porsche's Cayman and Boxster models, as well as Volkswagen's T-Roc Cabriolet. However, Porsche plans to manufacture the new Cayman and Boxster in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, and Volkswagen will cease T-Roc Cabriolet production next year, raising concerns about Osnabrueck's production future.

Last week, Volkswagen's works council head, Daniela Cavallo, stated that Porsche management informed the Osnabrueck plant about the termination of their existing business relationship.