Mercedes employees protest against sale
Mercedes-Benz' announcement that it plans to sell 80 of its dealerships has left employees uneasy. The labor union, IG Metall, was also far from pleased. On a nationwide day of action, 25,000 employees participated.
Mercedes-Benz' planned sale of 80 dealerships continues to cause unrest. According to IG Metall, a total of 25,000 employees took part in a nationwide day of action. At the locations in Sindelfingen and Stuttgart-Untertürkheim, production was halted for the duration of the demonstration.
Works council chairman Ergun Lümali confirmed that the labor union did not support the one-sided decision of the board. Now, the focus is on securing the rights and safeguards of the approximately 8,000 affected employees in the ongoing negotiations with the company. "They fear significant deterioration of working conditions with the uncertain buyers," the union stated.
The company stated that it informed employees in January that the automobile trade should be restructured for the future. "We continue to advocate for constructive dialogue with the labor side - with the common goal of securing the competitiveness of the dealerships and the future viability of regional jobs," the company stated.
According to a report by "Handelsblatt" from January, a basic agreement with the works councils is expected to be reached by the summer. Mercedes has reportedly excluded the sale to pure financial investors based on its own statements. The process could therefore take several years.
Potential buyers are reportedly expected to have proven expertise in the automobile trade, long-term perspectives, a willingness to invest significant financial resources, and an open attitude towards works councils and unions. No jobs are planned to be cut or dealerships to be closed, according to Mercedes. "There will be no tenders in the event of a possible restructuring," quoted "Handelsblatt" from a statement by the company.
The Mercedes-Benz Group's decision to sell dealerships has sparked concerns about the economy within the affected regions. IG Metall has expressed its opposition to the sale, citing potential negative impacts on the working conditions of the approximately 8,000 employees.
