The carmaker has been in heated discussions with unions after announcing this fall that it would have to take drastic measures to cut costs

Summary

Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume faced boos from workers during a speech at the Wolfsburg plant as he defended cost-cutting measures, including potential plant closures and job cuts.

Speaking to 20,000 employees amid ongoing union walkouts, Blume emphasized the challenges posed by high manufacturing costs, sluggish EV sales, and competition from China, stressing that the company must adapt to a “rapidly changing environment.”

Unions and workers have been resisting these plans, intensifying tensions since the company announced its restructuring efforts in September.