Protests over auto industry job cuts

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 25, 2026

Thousands of automotive workers from major German manufacturers including Volkswagen, BMW, and Bosch protested job cuts and government policies under the direction of the IG Metall union. The demonstrations highlight growing industry challenges from international competition and rising costs, urging policymakers to implement protective measures and support restructuring efforts to safeguard jobs.

Thousands of automotive industry workers in Germany took to the streets on Monday to protest extensive job cuts and government industrial policies, following a call to action from the trade union IG Metall. The demonstration included employees from major companies such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Bosch.

The protests come amid mounting challenges for the sector, including intensified competition from Chinese manufacturers both within China and increasingly in the European market, rising production costs, and the impact of U.S. tariffs. The industry’s difficulties were underscored last week when Volkswagen lowered its earnings forecast for the year and obtained approval for a new restructuring plan that could raise total job losses at the company to 100,000.

At BMW, management and labor representatives agreed in July on cost-cutting measures that may affect up to 8,000 jobs in Germany. Meanwhile, Bosch has announced plans to eliminate 13,000 positions in the coming years, adding to 9,000 cuts already communicated.

Addressing protesters at Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg plant, Daniela Cavallo, head of VW’s top union body, called on politicians to implement protective tariffs on Chinese hybrid vehicles, reduce industrial electricity costs, and establish an EU-wide subsidy policy. IG Metall chairwoman Christiane Benner emphasized the need for a stable policy environment to support investment, affordable energy, and the “made in EU” initiative. She also urged measures to shield the sector from unfair competition, provide financial assistance to suppliers undergoing restructuring, and preserve early retirement programs.

Benner warned that Volkswagen’s planned restructuring would have significant repercussions across manufacturers and suppliers throughout Germany and the broader automotive industry.

Volkswagen, BMW, and Bosch declined to comment specifically on the protests. However, Volkswagen Passenger Cars CEO Thomas Schaefer confirmed the company’s commitment to working with employee representatives during the current restructuring process.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.