How does one have two companies in the same business sector and in the same business group collaborate together whilst still securing jobs for both and quieting workers concerns? Volkswagen Truck & Bus and its unions grappled with this question and came up with an answer on 28 September via an agreement struck with its global forum (the commercial vehicles committee). The agreement draws on similar arrangements already in operation in Germany and aims to optimize synergies between both MAN and Scania whilst also safeguarding jobs in Sweden and abroad until 2026.
Constructive synergies. Volkswagen knew in advance that by acquiring heavy vehicles producer Scania in May 2014 it would risk doubling up with its own heavy vehicles subsidiary MAN. Unions were also well aware of the risks to jobs even if Volkswagen stated that ‘no structural changes had been tabled for Scania, neither on the jobs front, nor in terms of the company also stated it was looking to profit from intragroup synergies to cut costs and bolster its heavy goods vehicles presence in the fa
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