Volkswagen's management is meeting Thursday to discuss a radical transformation plan that could represent the biggest restructuring in the history of the global auto industry. Chief Executive Oliver Blume is considering a proposal to slash up to 100,000 jobs worldwide, which would account for approximately 16 percent of the company's global workforce.
The proposed measures include the closure of several German facilities. While sources indicate the company is considering closing four German plants, the plan involves shutting down three Volkswagen plants in Germany as well as one Audi factory.
Labor leaders and the influential staff union, IG Metall, have vowed to fight the large-scale job cuts and factory closures. Ahead of the meeting with key investors and stakeholders, demonstrations have been organized at 18 sites, including the company's headquarters and all plants in Germany.
Union representatives, including shop stewards and council members, warned Chief Executive Oliver Blume that he cannot pass the buck for the failures of recent years onto the workforce.