The German industrial union IG Metall and its works councils at Volkswagen (VW) are always ready to sacrifice the jobs, wages and rights of the workforce upon the altar of “competitiveness” and “return on investment.” If, however, their own six-figure salaries are on the line, they defend them by every means possible.
Top IG Metall official takes over as human resources chief at Volkswagen subsidiary
Bernd Osterloh, head of the joint works council at Volkswagen and leading member of the IG Metall trade union, has always been convinced he has exactly what it takes to be a manager. In fact, he is the living embodiment of the transformation of the trade unions and their affiliated works councils into paid agents of big business.
It has just been announced that Osterloh is to take over as manager at VW’s truck and bus subsidiary, Traton SE, with an annual salary of around one million euros. His job will be to impose a strict austerity program upon the workforce, and he is due to take up his new post as early as May 1.