Peugeot would present the plan to its works council on December 2.

VW and the works council couldn't immediately be reached for comment.

The Opel works council did not respond to requests for comment.

VW and the works council declined to comment on the Manager Magazin report.

Daimler's works council chief Michael Brecht demanded an immediate investigations into the allegations.

Deutsche Boerse's works council has refused to back the merger proposal.

They said the agreement would involve listed companies and those with a works council.

Chattanooga is the only Volkswagen plant outside of China that lacks a works council.

VW's works council could not be reached for a statement.

A spokesman at the Wolfsburg-based works council confirmed the remarks.

That earned him criticism both from Opel's works council head Klaus Franz and Steinmeier.

But a negative opinion from the works council would not stop the merger going ahead.

THYSSENKRUPP The steel works council of the ailing conglomerate will hold its regular press conference.

The works council did not return calls seeking comment.

VW and the works council all declined to comment.

VW and the group's works council declined to comment.