German Labor Leader Wetzel Backs UAW Local 42

7/18/2014: Detlef Wetzel, president of the German trade union IG Metall, today declared his organization’s support for UAW Local 42.

In a letter to Volkswagen employees, Wetzel noted that IG Metall had developed “excellent relations” with the UAW and said Local 42 “responds to the needs of many working men and women at Volkswagen Chattanooga.”

Wetzel reference the car company’s tradition of co-determination between employees and management. “In the spirit of co-determination,” he wrote, “I expect from Volkswagen that it cooperates with Local 42 in a constructive manner.”

He added: “Secure employment and co-determination constitute the model for global success of Volkswagen.”