Volkswagen and unions

Workers of the German auto manufacturer Volkswagen Group are collectively organized and represented across a variety of worker organizations including trade unions and Works Councils across the globe. Workers are organized on multiple levels; locally, regionally, nationally, internationally and by marque.

Within Germany, the role of the trade union IG Metall and Works Councils at Volkswagen is unique, even compared with other large auto firms.

Volkswagen workers have some of the strongest organized labour power of any company in the world. Some of these powers are codified in different collective agreements internationally. The German collective agreements cover 120,000 workers, nearly the entire German workforce.

Workers at all of its major locations are represented in the Global Works Council and local trade union bodies. VW Group has a tradition and practice of social partnership and co-determination rights between management and workers beyond the regulated standards.^[1]: 3