The German company and other non-union automakers in the U.S. have come under increased pressure to improve pay and benefits following the record contracts achieved by the UAW in late October after thousands of its members went on a six-week targeted strike. Hyundai Motor has also announced a 25% increase over the next four years for non-union production workers in Alabama and Georgia. Volkswagen's pay increase is effective from December, with a compressed wage progression timeline beginning in February.