In a surprising boardroom move, VW’s works council leader Christian Blume floated the idea of extending the standard workday for German employees. The suggestion came just as the automaker announced it had withdrawn ten collective bargaining contracts, among them the pivotal framework agreement that underpins many of its labor terms.
By pulling those deals, VW signals a shift toward more flexible – and potentially longer – working hours, a change that could reshape daily routines for thousands of factory workers. The move has already sparked debate among unions and staff, who worry about work‑life balance, while the company argues it’s necessary to stay competitive in a fast‑moving market.