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Volkswagen Salzgitter: New dream team for the 2026 works council election!
Works council election at the Volkswagen plant in Salzgitter: IG Metall nominates Björn Harmening, shapes the transformation to battery production.
Volkswagen Salzgitter: New dream team for the 2026 works council election!
The course for the future of the company is already being set at the Volkswagen plant in Salzgitter. IG Metall recently confirmed the current works council members for the upcoming works council elections in March 2026. Björn Harmening was again nominated as works council chairman, while Patrick Harmening is in the running as deputy list leader. This election is particularly significant because it is the first time that a joint works council for Volkswagen and PowerCo will be elected. The focus is clearly on the transformation that will transform the plant into the group's European battery center.
The 2026 works council election will take place during a crucial period in which the Volkswagen plant in Salzgitter is transforming from an engine factory to a center for battery production, which brings with it many challenges. Works council chairman Björn Harmening emphasizes the need to actively incorporate the commitment of the works council and IG Metall into the transformation. The focus is on qualification, employment security and co-determination in order not only to accompany the changes in the plant, but also to actively shape them. Markus Hulm, the second representative of IG Metall Salzgitter-Peine, emphasizes the importance of having experienced personalities at the top in order to successfully master this demanding phase.
Results of the works council election
Transformation of the automotive industry
In the context of the changes in the automotive industry, the developments in Salzgitter play an important role. The structural change is being driven significantly by climate protection and the increasing demand for electric cars. According to a recent study, more than 40 battery factories are planned in Europe to meet increasing demand. Securing the supply of raw materials for batteries is also a central issue. At the same time, it can be seen that employment in the automotive industry has been declining since 2018, but new opportunities could arise in battery production and recycling. IG Metall calls for political support for this change and emphasizes the need for investments in infrastructure and qualifications.
The political framework will be crucial, as the EU and the federal government set ambitious climate targets for 2030 and 2045. These targets could push the transport sector to dramatically reduce CO2 emissions by 2030, which in turn increases pressure on companies like Volkswagen to quickly adapt their strategies. A future fund worth one billion euros was launched to support this transformation and promote value chains in the automotive industry.
In this challenging time, the role of IG Metall and the works council will be essential in accompanying employees through the change and ensuring that the opportunities in the new, green mobility are seized. The road to climate neutrality is long, but with strong employee representation at the company's side, there is a good chance that this change will not only be successful, but also open up prospects for the future.