VW's management is problem, not Germany's business climate, union says

Volkswagen's VOW management rather than Germany's business climate is to blame for the automaker's troubles, IG Metall union negotiator Thorsten Groeger told workers ahead of wage talks on Thursday.

VW and workers are locked in difficult wage negotiations that could lead to strikes in December if no solution is found. The standoff comes ahead of a snap election in February where the government's performance on the economy is under scrutiny.

"The election campaign will be about the future of the industry, jobs and wellbeing in this country ... politics needs to set the framework for industry to be profitable here in coming decade," Groeger said, according to prepared remarks.

"But: the problem is not Germany as a location, but the actions of the VW board."