BRAUNSCHWEIG (dpa-AFX) - The Zentrum labor organization, widely regarded as being close to the AfD, has secured representation on a Volkswagen works council for the first time. In the elections at the Braunschweig plant, its list received 6.49 percent of the vote, as confirmed by the local IG Metall union upon inquiry following the ballot count. This result grants Zentrum 2 of the 35 seats on the local works council. IG Metall secured 78.5 percent and 28 mandates, while the Christian Metalworkers' Union (CGM) garnered 15 percent and 5 seats.
Zentrum, which describes itself as an "alternative union," ran its own list at VW for the first time. Braunschweig was the only location where the group fielded its own candidates. Only two candidates were nominated, both of whom have now been elected. According to sources close to the general works council, the election results would not have sufficed for additional seats in any case.
To date, the association has primarily been active in southern and eastern Germany. It was founded in 2009 as "Zentrum Automobil" at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim.
Daniela Nowak, the lead candidate for IG Metall in Braunschweig, described the election result as positive given the challenging times. She noted that in an era of social polarization, the clear majority continues to rely on proven solidarity and collective bargaining agreements. "Together, we are staying the course," she stated in a press release. "In the coming years, we will continue to advocate consistently for the interests of our colleagues."/fjo/DP/men
