WOLFSBURG (dpa-AFX) - Lower Saxony's Minister President Olaf Lies says he understands the concerns of many employees at car manufacturer Volkswagen. "It is entirely understandable that there is uncertainty and dissatisfaction in times of great change," said the SPD politician and VW supervisory board member to the German Press Agency. The VW executive board is taking employees' concerns very seriously.

At a company meeting in December, against the backdrop of Volkswagen's cost-cutting measures, the general works council presented a survey showing that only 16 percent of employees now believe that profitability and job security are equally important goals for the executive board. In 2021, nearly 40 percent had said the same.

"In recent years, employees have been willing to make significant concessions and do their part," Lies said. But the company and management must also do their share to ensure progress is made.

Blume Focuses Fully on VW

Lies welcomed the fact that VW CEO Oliver Blume is now fully concentrating on the group. For more than three years, Blume had been CEO of both VW and its subsidiary Porsche. At the end of the year, he relinquished this dual role.

"Now it's about moving the company forward together," Lies emphasized. The state of Lower Saxony holds 20 percent of the voting rights in the VW Group. Lies and his deputy, Julia Willie Hamburg (Greens), represent the state on the supervisory board. Together with labor representatives, they hold a majority there; for important decisions, the state has a veto right.

What Will Become of the VW Plant in Osnabrück?

Regarding the situation at the VW plant in Osnabrück, which faces an uncertain future due to expiring contracts, Lies was cautious. "Volkswagen has a responsibility to find a solution for the future of the plant," he said.

The site has highly qualified employees, as he knows from many conversations. "That is why I remain confident that there is a good outlook for the Osnabrück location."

Around 2,300 people work at the plant. Production of the Porsche models built there is set to end in 2026, and production of the VW T-Roc Cabrio will cease in mid-2027. So far, no follow-up contract has been announced./kge/DP/zb