Thousands of jobs at ZF Schweinfurt at risk - IG Metall fights for the site's survival

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Schweinfurt under power - negotiations are in full swing

The pressure is mounting: At automotive supplier ZF in Schweinfurt, one of the largest employers in the region, crucial negotiations are currently underway regarding the future of up to 4,000 jobs. Nothing has been decided yet - but the signs are pointing to a storm. The company, works council and IG Metall have been meeting for weeks. Now, shortly before the announced interim result, the whole of Schweinfurt is wondering: will the factory gates soon remain permanently closed?

The talks should be concluded by September 30 at the latest. One thing is already clear: this is not just about a social plan, it is about nothing less than the existence of an entire industrial region.

Work less, save more?

The negotiating partners are currently discussing various models to mitigate job cuts. Specifically, this means reducing working hours, maintaining production of electromobility components and possibly also relocating or realigning individual business units. The stakes are high for ZF - and even higher for the approximately 8,600 employees in Schweinfurt.

Thomas Höhn from IG Metall gets to the heart of the matter:

"Negotiations are actually taking place at almost every corner of the Group at the moment."

The focus is also on questions such as: Which products can be placed on new markets? How can the know-how of the location be used instead of giving it up?

Electromobility as hope - or risk?

The job cuts primarily affect the Electromobility Division, which employs around 5,900 people. Ironically, this is precisely the area that is supposed to make ZF fit for the future. But instead of expansion, there is now downsizing - apparently because earlier market forecasts were too optimistic and orders have failed to materialize.

There is potential here in particular to remain the technology leader in Germany. The continuation of in-house production of e-mobility parts is therefore a key demand of the employee side. After all, if this sector is broken up or relocated abroad, Germany will once again lose a crucial part of its industrial future.

More than just Schweinfurt affected - wildfire at ZF

What is happening in Schweinfurt is only part of a bigger picture: ZF has been in a deep crisis for some time. The German locations in Nuremberg, Auerbach, Thyrnau and Bayreuth are fighting for jobs.

The uncertainty is great - as is the anger. Last year, employees took to the streets across Germany to draw attention to the dramatic situation. Now it's time for a last chance to change course.

A long-term strategy is essential

While managers talk about "restructuring" in elegant conference rooms, thousands of families in Schweinfurt fear for their future. If even the "electromobility" sector - the much-vaunted market of the future - becomes a trouble spot, then it is not only ZF that is in trouble, but also Germany as a business location.

What counts now? Responsibility. Courage. And honesty. No further cutbacks in the industry in favor of short-term profits. What we need is a real plan - not just for ZF, but for the entire industrial backbone of this country. Otherwise, not only Schweinfurt, but the whole of Bavaria will soon face the fate of a disused workbench.