BMW's Works Council Chair, Werner Zierer, reflects on the triumphant saga of...
In the heart of the Upper Palatinate, the BMW logistics operation in Wackersdorf stands as a beacon of success. This strategic location, with its skilled workforce, well-developed infrastructure, and excellent cooperation with local authorities, has made it an attractive hub for various companies.
The site's transformation into an Innovation Park marked the second major boost for the region, ensuring secure jobs and creating new opportunities. Today, around 3,000 modern jobs thrive at the Wackersdorf site.
The works council, a key player in this success story, has successfully resisted outsourcing and supported the modernization process. Werner Zierer, the chairman of the works council of the BMW plant in Regensburg and an employee representative in the supervisory board of the BMW Group, has been at the forefront of these efforts since 1985.
The change required flexibility from all employees in Wackersdorf, often leading to difficult compromises. However, the works council has been instrumental in informing and supporting colleagues, providing informal help in times of need.
IG Metall, the metalworkers' union, also plays an important role, working closely with the works council to ensure the best interests of all Wackersdorfers are represented.
The works council's most significant achievement in recent years is the signing of a settlement agreement in 1989, which included a promise to build a new production site on the former WAA construction site. This decision not only secured jobs but also paved the way for the site's future development.
The Innovation Park continues to evolve, posing both opportunities and challenges. Despite the constant change, the resilience and adaptability of the Wackersdorf site and its workforce ensure that it remains a vital part of the BMW supply chain, particularly for BMW's foreign plants. This news has given the region new hope for a future of modern and secure jobs.
- Beyond the automotive industry, the attractive hub in Wackersdorf has also drawn investments from other sectors, such as finance and transportation, expanding the business diversity within the region.
- The local authorities, in collaboration with the works council, have been actively promoting the Wackersdorf site to potential manufacturing companies, creating a synergy between the automotive and other industries.
- The Wackersdorf site, with its robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and resilience, serves as a shining example of successful industrial integration, blending manufacturing with finance and other essential industries.
