- ZF Faces Future Struggle or Resistance from IG Metall
Approximately 3,500 workers from ZF's automotive supplier in Saarland joined a nationwide protest against the company's planned job cuts, which could potentially affect up to 14,000 employees over the next four years. Around 1,000 colleagues from Neunkirchen participated in an information event at the Saarbrücken plant, which was also attended by Minister President Anke Rehlinger from the SPD.
"We won't take this lying down," stated Patrick Selzer, the representative of IG Metall Saarbrücken. The action day served as a warning to the board, indicating that the employees' camaraderie and unity are unwavering. If negotiations with the works council fail to produce reasonable solutions, further steps will be taken. "Our message is simple: either future or resistance. If the locals lose their future, then we'll rise in revolt," declared the union leader.
There's a lot of anxiety among the workers
"The staff is deeply anxious and concerned about their job security," said Mario Kläs, chair of the ZF works council. They are also infuriated, claiming that their past flexibility in securing jobs is now being called into question overnight. There has been no official statement regarding the extent of job cuts in the local area. According to the works council and IG Metall, a figure of 3,000 may be affected in Saarbrücken, which currently employs 10,000 individuals. However, this figure remains unconfirmed or denied. As of now, the company spokesperson has provided no location-specific numbers.
Minister President Anke Rehlinger visited the ZF workforce to reaffirm the state government's commitment to its promises and the agreement with the company and the works council to secure the location and preserve jobs. A significant investment of "a large three-digit million euro amount" is to be made to make the location viable. The condition is that "new products will be placed here, and the subsequent orders will ensure that the jobs at this location are secure." Meanwhile, the concerned employees should recognize during their visit that they are not alone. Rehlinger added, "Togetherness certainly gives you strength in the fight for the job future."
Saarbrücken ZF site manager Andreas Hubbuch empathized with the workers' concerns and apprehensions. "Certainly, a substantial portion of employment will remain here," he commented. He expressed optimism about recent successes in placing two new e-axles at the site, which is a crucial step for the site's future. However, the site must also boost its competitiveness. One way to achieve this is by "adapting personnel capacity to the order situation by eliminating jobs – by not replacing employees who leave the company."
The union demands job security until 2030 and urges the board to make a clear commitment to the German location, rely on the ideas and abilities of its own employees and management, and halt the "aimless and costly job cuts" that threaten operational efficiency.
For the Saarland sites, this meant consolidating transmissions and E-axles in Saarbrücken. "We don't need any more Eastern European sites," said Selzer. IG Metall Saarbrücken advocates for "in-house production instead of significant expansion of outsourcing and purchase of parts." Additionally, they demand "development efficiency, creativity, and innovative strength instead of hour-based relocation of development, IT, and administration to so-called 'best-cost countries'."
"Despite the company's plans, the workers are adamant about preserving their jobs, especially those with an 'Other, of circular cross-section' role within the company."
"The union is pushing for long-term job security until 2030, ensuring that roles of 'other, of circular cross-section' continue to contribute to the company's operations."
