by Strict Measures by Volkswagen
The automaker Volkswagen is taking decisive measures against employees who miss work without valid reasons. The company reported that in the first half of 2025, it dismissed 548 employees worldwide due to violations of labor discipline, including unjustified absences. Additionally, 2,079 staff warnings were issued. It is expected that by the end of the year, hundreds more employees will lose their jobs due to excessive absenteeism.
Financial Losses and Warnings
Volkswagen brand chief Thomas Schäfer noted last year that absenteeism costs the company about 1 billion euros annually. Recently, through Volkswagen’s internal network, employees were warned that repeated unjustified absences could lead to immediate dismissal. It is important to consider that the company has over 560,000 employees globally, so the dismissals affect only a small fraction of the staff. However, Volkswagen plans large-scale cuts: by 2030, 35,000 jobs will be eliminated in Germany alone.
Changes in Production
These dismissals occur against the backdrop of declining demand, which has forced the automaker to make adjustments to its production processes. Production at several Volkswagen plants in Germany will be temporarily halted. In particular, the plants in Zwickau and Dresden will stop for a week starting October 6. Additionally, production at the plant in Osnabrück will be suspended for a week this month, as well as for at least one day per week until the end of the year. These facilities produce electric models such as the ID.4 and ID.7, as well as the T-Roc convertible, which is expected to be discontinued next year.
Positive Aspects and Prospects
Despite the difficulties, Volkswagen is recording high demand for the Golf, Tiguan, and Tayron models. To meet this demand, the company will add additional shifts at the Wolfsburg plant to increase production volumes by Christmas. This indicates that the automaker is adapting to market conditions by reallocating resources to more successful products.
The situation at Volkswagen reflects broader trends in the automotive industry, where competition is increasing and consumer needs are changing. Shifting focus to popular models like the Golf and Tiguan may help the company stabilize its position, while the reduction in electric vehicle production indicates challenges in this segment. Social consequences, such as future job cuts, could impact the regional economy of Germany, where Volkswagen is one of the key employers.
