Volkswagen Chief Executive Oliver Blume faces boos and whistles during an address to employees at the company’s headquarters in Germany, where workers protest potential job cuts and factory closures. The gathering includes more than 10,000 workers, who chant slogans and hold banners such as “Our jobs are not your balance sheet adjustments” while Blume tells staff that “pull together” and a comprehensive reorganisation are needed.
The company is responding to pressure from competition, including from Chinese manufacturers, and the impact of US tariffs, according to reporting. Outlets also describe Blume’s message as defending restructuring steps and characterising factory closures as a last resort. Labour representatives express concern that trust has been damaged and say they plan to oppose layoffs. Both accounts say Volkswagen’s supervisory board is due to meet to discuss the proposed restructuring measures, which could include significant changes to employment and production.
