Volkswagen’s annual general meeting (AGM) was disrupted by protestors who attempted to block traffic in front of the Berlin event. Some activists complained about the automaker’s environmental record, while others objected to the alleged links between one of its Chinese plants and forced labor.
Around a dozen protesters outside the event blocked traffic into the venue, claiming that VW is responsible for “climate-damaging decisions,” according to Bloomberg. In 2021, Volkswagen was sued in Germany for not doing enough to combat climate change.
The protestors argue that Volkswagen, being among the biggest automakers globally, generates a considerable portion of its profits from vehicles that cause environmental harm. The company was also involved in the Dieselgate scandal, where it was found to have cheated on emissions tests and contributed to shortening the lifespans of people globally.
Read: VW Sued By Greenpeace Germany For Not Doing Enough To Fight Climate Change
During the meeting, protestors shifted their focus to Volkswagen’s labor practices. One of them threw a cake at Hans Dieter Pötsch, the chairman of the executive board of Porsche SE and the supervisory board of Volkswagen. Pötsch gracefully dodged the cake, avoiding a direct hit. Other protestors held signs reading “VW = Forced Labor” and “End Uyghur Forced Labor.”
Volkswagen’s Xinjiang-based plant has faced scrutiny over its alleged use of coercive labor practices. The facility is operated as a joint venture with SAIC, and human rights organizations and United Nations experts have accused the automaker’s suppliers of engaging in such labor practices.
More: VW Denies Claims Of Forced Labor At SAIC Joint Venture Plant In Xinjiang
The automaker has repeatedly denied that its plant uses forced labor, but continues to face criticism. The province has been linked to humans rights abuses perpetrated by the Chinese government against its Uyghur population.
Even the company’s larger shareholders, such as Deka Investment and Union Investment, have called on VW to conduct an independent, external audit of the plant and its suppliers to guarantee that no parts made using forced labor are present in vehicles it sells.
Even beyond the protestors, VW faced criticism at its annual meeting, with investors voicing their concern over sliding sales in China, threats from Tesla, and the failures of its software unit, Cariad. They also raised concerns about group CEO Oliver Blume, and his ability to manage both VW and Porsche. Volkswagen said that it welcomes this kind of criticism, and said that it is working to address shareholders’ concerns.
