Work Reform

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A place to discuss positive changes that can make work more equitable, and to vent about current practices. We are NOT against work; we just want the fruits of our labor to be recognized better.

Our Philosophies:

All workers must be paid a living wage for their labor.
Income inequality is the main cause of lower living standards.
Workers must join together and fight back for what is rightfully theirs.
We must not be divided and conquered. Workers gain the most when they focus on unifying issues.

Our Goals

Higher wages for underpaid workers.
Better worker representation, including but not limited to unions.
Better and fewer working hours.
Stimulating a massive wave of worker organizing in the United States and beyond.
Organizing and supporting political causes and campaigns that put workers first.

founded 1 year ago

MODERATORS

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Volkswagen to shut three factories, axe jobs and cut pay by 10%, says union (www.theguardian.com)

submitted 2 weeks ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

8 comments fedilink hide all child comments

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/21371247

German carmaker warns of stagnation in the European sector amid news of deeper-than-expected action

The German carmaker Volkswagen is planning to shut at least three factories in its home country, lay off thousands of workers and cut pay by 10%, according to the company’s union.

The deeper-than-expected cuts come as the company faces weak sales and slow expansion in the electric vehicle (EV) sector amid tough competition from Chinese manufacturers.

“The board wants to close at least three factories in Germany,” the works council chief, Daniela Cavallo, told employees at VW’s headquarters in Wolfsburg on Monday. Its remaining manufacturing sites will reduce capacity, she said, citing information provided by management.

As Europe’s top economy suffers a crisis in manufacturing and fears of mass unemployment, VW is aiming for a fundamental restructuring to cut costs. It had initially warned last month that it had the equivalent of two factories of extra capacity in Germany.

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 weeks ago (7 children)

So what is going on really? On the one hand we have this action in Germany. What has caused it in the first place?

Second, how does this factor in with EV? Meaning, how is the entire industry doing so poorly when we are in the cusp of EV world and battery tech and smart grids.

So frustrating. I kind of want a general overview. For example I’m aware of the EV pressure with China for example. But then with the changes is regulatory, how haven’t companies like Volkswagen not side-stepped to adapt?

I’m probably oversimplifying, don’t throw things. I’m trying to grasp the big picture.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

I dunno if you follow car stuff much. Chip shortage during COVID affected how many cars could be made. Manufacturers saved them for high margin high value cars. Already there is a smaller market for them. Plus, charging infrastructure in some countries is behind to the point where a lot of people are sticking to petrol. That's the wider picture.

On top of that VW made a really good EV platform and then screwed it up with a cheap interior, glitchy software, and frustrating laggy haptic buttons everywhere on cars that weren't exactly cheap. Why bother with that when you can get a Kia Niro (as an example) with more features, a massive warranty, more range, better interior for the same or less money?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

As a regular driver of a range of different EV through carsharing: Yes, VW are infuriatingly bad at controls, buttons and the likes.

It may sound petty but it's really impacting driving negatively.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 weeks ago

A car is a box on wheels that I only interact with through its controls. It ain’t petty to demand that those controls respond quickly and reliably.

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