The IG Metall trade union has called for widespread labour strikes at all Volkswagen plants in Germany from Monday as workers at the company fight back against possible lay-offs and wage cuts.
The German automotive giant has been demanding across-the-board wage cuts for workers, and has threatened plants closures and mass lay-offs as part of a major cost-cutting programme to boost sagging financial results.
A Volkswagen corporate spokesman said the company has been preparing for a possible strike.
"We want to minimize the impact of the warning strike on our customers, our partners and our industrial plants as much as possible," the company spokesman said. "That is why the company has already taken specific measures in advance to ensure emergency supplies."
Labour leaders have vowed to wage a bitter and intense struggle against any such cuts. Collective bargaining talks between VW and the IG Metall trade union are currently ongoing, but have yielded little agreement so far.
According to the Volkswagen works council, at least three Volkswagen plants in Germany and tens of thousands of jobs are under threat.
A mandatory labour truce at VW, which prohibited strikes, expired on Saturday.
The Volkswagen spokesman said the company "respects the right of employees" to take part in short strikes, and will rely on constructive dialogue with trade union leaders in order to reach a sustainably and mutually agreeable deal.
Both sides will meet for their next round of wage negotiations on December 9.