First round of wage talks at Volkswagen end without result

German trade union IG Metall on Monday stated a first round of wage talks at Volkswagen failed to produce a result, adding it was dissatisfied the automaker did not present a counter-offer to its need for a 6-percent wage hike.

“The fact that Volkswagen is doing so well in spite of the diesel concern is, to a great degree, due to the impressive efforts of its workers,” stated IG Metall regional head and lead negotiator Thorsten Groeger.

The demands by IG Metall show growing self-confidence among trade unions as Europe’s most significant economy is set to grow by approximately 2 percent this year and unionists say workers ought to get a reasonable share of the success.

The 6 percent pay demand compares to a nationwide claim for 5 percent in the last round in early last year, which led to a 2.8 percent boost on September 1, 2016 and a more 2.0 percent on August 1, 2017 for workers at Volkswagen.

IG Metall, Germany’s most powerful union, is also requiring an enhancement in the group’s pension plan and the increased hiring of trainees to handle obstacles to the auto industry including digitalization.

“We will only need to have the ability to invest in the future if we have expenses under control,” Martin Rosik, head of personnels of the Volkswagen Automobile brand, stated, calling for a affordable “pay settlement”.

Volkswagen during previous month raised its mid-term outlook for group revenue and sales.