Factory Meeting at VW Offers Glimpse into Golf 9 - Volkswagen workers demand bonuses as electric Golf 9 silhouette debuts
Volkswagen's works council will hold a major employee assembly this morning in Wolfsburg. The meeting comes as thousands of staff gather to discuss demands for a one-time bonus, following the company's strong financial results. With tensions high after recent wage negotiations, workers will also hear updates on future projects, including the electric Golf 9.
The assembly begins at 9:30 a.m. in Hall 11 of the Wolfsburg plant, where over 60,000 employees work. Works council chair Daniela Cavallo, who secured 85.5 percent of the vote in the 2022 election, is pushing for a recognition bonus for all staff under collective bargaining agreements. Her demand follows Volkswagen's report of six billion euros in free cash flow earlier this year.
Last December, Cavallo and Volkswagen reached the Zukunft Volkswagen deal after difficult talks, including warning strikes. The agreement prevented plant closures, layoffs, and wage cuts of up to 10 percent. However, no profit-sharing details were included in the final terms.
During the event, brand CEO Thomas Schäfer will reveal the silhouette of the upcoming electric Golf 9, set for production in Wolfsburg by the end of the decade. Group CEO Oliver Blume, however, will not attend or address the assembly.
The meeting takes place ahead of next week's works council elections, where Cavallo is running for re-election.
The assembly highlights ongoing discussions about employee compensation and Volkswagen's future plans. With financial performance strong and new models in development, workers await decisions on bonuses and leadership. The outcome could shape relations between management and staff in the coming years.
