Part 7/10:
As Volkswagen considers factory closures for the first time in its 87-year history, tensions are rising between management and the workforce. Historical loyalty among workers is being challenged by the realities of a company that may need to undertake massive layoffs to survive. This internal friction is intensified by a governance structure that gives political power to stakeholder interests, complicating layoffs and factory restructuring efforts.
Volkswagen's various production sites, especially in its home state of Lower Saxony, are not just plants; they are integral parts of local communities. The potential for factory closures adds layers of emotional and economic implications for workers, many of whom are concerned about losing a stable middle-class lifestyle.