Corporation backtracks on vegan agenda

author: FutureCar Staff    

Worker backlash in Germany has led to Volkswagen, a major car manufacturer, reversing its vegan policies. In 2021, the company had stopped selling meat dishes, including meat-based sausages, in its office building in Wolfsburg and replaced them with vegan, vegetarian, and fish options. However, due to employee demand, the ban on meat has been lifted. A spokesperson for the company stated that since August 7, the company restaurant has been offering an additional component with fish or meat alongside vegan and vegetarian dishes.

The initial ban on meat was implemented by Volkswagen in response to employee calls for sustainability. However, it faced significant criticism and backlash in Germany, with politicians also criticizing the decision. One of the main points of controversy was the impact on the sale of Volkswagen's currywurst, a popular sausage produced by the company since 1973 at the Wolfsburg plant. The currywurst, listed as VW part 199 398 500 A, can be purchased at various supermarkets across the country and is considered a favorite among skilled production workers.

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder expressed his disappointment with the ban, highlighting the significance of currywurst as a power-bar for workers. While he acknowledged the importance of vegetarian options, he believed that the absence of currywurst went too far. However, Volkswagen has clarified that the reversal of the ban does not mean a complete abandonment of their pro-vegan agenda. They will only reintroduce one rotating meat dish into the predominantly vegan menu, meaning that currywurst will only be available in the canteen on certain days, with alternative meat options available on other days.

FutureCar Staff