ZF Employees Vote on Restructuring Deal; Koblenz Jobs at Risk
ZF employees across Germany are currently voting on a group-wide restructuring agreement, with the outcome expected by October 13, 2025. The agreement includes a wage freeze and the cancellation of a special payment, but it does not mean approval of planned job cuts at the Koblenz site where over 500 jobs are at risk.
The agreement, which rules out dismissals for operational reasons until the end of 2026, was unanimously agreed to by employees at the ZF plant in Koblenz. However, IG Metall members in Koblenz continue to reject the planned job cuts. The union plans to critically review every single planned job cut and involve employees in the process. If the site's future is at risk, the union is preparing to demand a social plan.
The group-wide restructuring agreement, also known as the GWS (Gruppenweite Umstrukturierungsvereinbarung), is a long-term agreement between the ZF-Konzern, the Betriebsrat, and the Gewerkschaft (IG Metall) that aims to secure long-term employment and provide further training for employees at German sites. The agreement includes a delay in the wage increase for 2026, the freezing of performance bonuses, and the cancellation of the special payment T-Zug B in 2026.
The voting process is underway at all German ZF sites, with the overall result expected by October 13, 2025. Despite the agreement, the future of the Koblenz site remains uncertain, with over 500 jobs at risk. IG Metall continues to reject the planned job cuts and is prepared to demand a social plan if necessary.
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