Trade union IG Metall does not expect to reach a conclusion this month in exploratory talks with Volkswagen over extended working hours at VW’s six western German plants, Die Welt newspaper reported on Wednesday, according to Reuters.

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IG Metall chief negotiator Hartmut Meine reportedly told the paper that VW chief executive Bernd Pischetsrieder’s plan to complete talks about the restructuring by the end of July were “completely unrealistic”.


Meine added that a coherent overall plan and an agreement about future utilisation of the plants would boost the union’s willingness to start pay talks with VW management.


Meine also said he doubted whether there was currently a coherent overall plan, according to the reports.

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