Employee discontent at Volkswagen escalates to unprecedented heights!

In a significant move, Volkswagen (VW) is relocating the production of the ID.4 electric vehicle from Zwickau to Emden, with the ID.3 and the Cupra Born also being moved to Wolfsburg. This decision has sparked concerns and reactions among employees and local authorities in both locations.

For years, Zwickau was hailed as a model plant for electric mobility, having undergone a transformation with billions of euros invested and the workforce trained specifically for this shift. However, a production line is set to be shut down in Zwickau, leaving only two Audi models remaining. This development has led to job losses and feelings of betrayal among employees, who openly speak of perceived discrimination against the East.

The political grouping currently working in the works council assembly of the Volkswagen factory in Zwickau is IG Metall. The right-wing unions have joined the works council, raising concerns for the region. Employees feel they've been taken for a ride, and anger is palpable about the model transfers.

In a bid to restore trust and secure all German plants until 2030, VW aims to make a decision about its plants by the end of next year. The company calls the future for Zwickau a "circular economy," but details about how this will work are unclear.

Meanwhile, Emden, once a part of the combustion engine world, is facing its own challenges. Suppliers from the combustion engine industry have left, and industrial parks stand empty. The mayor, Tim Kruithoff, is demanding a "clear commitment to the location" from VW. Despite these problems, VW's 1.5 millionth electric vehicle was produced in the Emden plant, and the demand for the ID.7 and ID.7 Tourer is high.

Minister President Olaf Lies (SPD) has acknowledged the pressure on VW locations and has promised support. He admitted to the "Braunschweigische Zeitung" that he is aware of the situation, expressing concerns about the future of the locations.

The situation in Emden is also causing worries. The mayor of Emden, Tim Kruithoff, is expressing concerns about the future of the location, despite the successful production of the ID.4. The demand for the ID.7 and ID.7 Tourer is high, but the uncertainty surrounding the future of the plant is causing unease.

As VW navigates these challenges, it remains to be seen how the company will proceed with its plants and how it will address the concerns of its employees and local authorities in both Zwickau and Emden.