Volkswagen workers to question CEO over restructuring and potential job cuts

Friday 17 July 2026 - 08:45

By: Sahili Aya

Volkswagen workers to question CEO over restructuring and potential job cuts

Employees at Volkswagen will have the opportunity to question Chief Executive Officer Oliver Blume during extraordinary staff assemblies scheduled for late August, as concerns grow over the company's restructuring plans and the future of thousands of jobs.

According to the company's works council, Blume will participate in meetings with employees at Volkswagen's headquarters in Wolfsburg on August 25, followed by assemblies at the Emden and Zwickau plants on August 26.

The sessions are expected to focus on cost-cutting measures that could reshape the automaker's workforce over the coming years.

Up to 140,000 jobs could be affected

The discussions come as Volkswagen continues implementing an extensive restructuring program aimed at improving competitiveness in an increasingly challenging global automotive market.

Blume has previously indicated that the company could eliminate an additional 50,000 positions beyond the 50,000 workforce reductions already underway.

The works council has also warned that the possible closure of four manufacturing plants from 2030 could place a further 40,000 jobs at risk if alternative solutions are not found.

Taken together, these measures could affect as many as 140,000 positions.

Plant closures remain a key concern

The Emden and Zwickau facilities are among the sites identified as potentially facing closure in the coming years.

Employee representatives are expected to seek greater clarity from company management regarding the long-term future of these factories, possible investment plans and alternatives to shutdowns.

The extraordinary assemblies provide workers with a direct opportunity to question Volkswagen's leadership about the company's strategy.

Cost pressures drive transformation

Volkswagen is among several major European automakers adapting to slowing demand, rising production costs and intensified competition, particularly in the electric vehicle market.

The restructuring forms part of broader efforts to improve efficiency while maintaining the group's long-term competitiveness during the industry's technological transition.

The August meetings are likely to become a significant moment in ongoing discussions between management and employee representatives as Volkswagen seeks to balance financial performance with employment concerns.