São Paulo, August 5, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Directors of the ABC Metalworkers Union and members of the Volkswagen factory commission in São Bernando do Campo are meeting to discuss what measures to adopt in relation to the situation of the 3,933 employees who were transferred to the Brazil Autovision Plan. Beginning September 1, these employees, who were considered excessive in terms of the company's production goals, should be absorbed by the People Institute, a firm that handles professional recycling and training.

In protest against Volkswagen's action, which affects employees in the Taubaté plant, as well as those in the São Bernardo unit, workers on the first shift paralyzed their activities today, between 6 A.M. and 10 A.M. Approximately 6,000 people remained on the patio of the factory with their arms crossed, according to the director of the ABC Metalworkers Union, Antônio Roberto Lourençon.

During the mobilization, the transfer notices were delivered to the Human Resources Department. Despite manifestations that the company's action represents a violation of the contract which guarantees job stability, Volkswagen stuck to its decision to go ahead with the Autovision Plan. Tomorrow (6), the Anfavea (National Association of Automobile Manufacturers) will announce the performance of the sector in July and is expected to outline the scenario it foresees for the second half of the year. (DAS)