Criticism of merger: Worries of Volksbank Jever employees are growing!

Criticism of merger: Worries of Volksbank Jever employees are growing!

The planned merger of Volksbank Jever with Raiffeisen-Volksbank Varel-Nordenham and Raiffeisenbank Butjadingen-Abbehausen is creating a lot of conversation in the region. The decision on the merger to form the new Volksbank Jade-Weser will be made on June 26th. But the mood among employees is tense: uncertainty and mistrust dominate, and the workforce expresses concerns about the security of their jobs. These concerns are no coincidence, as critics of the merger fear that the merger could have a negative impact on their employment.

How NWZ Online reported, concerned employees contacted the editorial team anonymously. They emphasize that the economic and social challenges associated with the merger are not shared by all parts of the workforce. The vocal support of the merger's proponents has silenced many other employees. However, a critical information evening on June 16th at the Lok Cultural Center in Jever could help to discuss the mixed opinions more openly.

Merger goals and prospects

The initiators of the merger, Volksbank Jever, Raiffeisen-Volksbank Varel-Nordenham and Raiffeisenbank Butjadingen-Abbehausen, expect the new Volksbank Jade-Weser to have a strong position in the region. With total assets of over 2.6 billion euros and more than 85,000 private and corporate customers, the merger is intended to strengthen cooperative values ​​and consolidate regional roots. The new name “Volksbank Jade-Weser” stands for strengthening customer proximity and improving social commitment. But despite the unanimous approval of the boards of directors and supervisory boards of the banks involved, the path to the merger is not without worries.

Like the research study by Deloitte shows, mergers for regional banks are a thoughtful response to major changes in the banking sector. The study indicates that small and medium-sized institutions in particular are merging more frequently in order to face new challenges. A future-oriented approach is required to attract qualified staff and improve services.

The challenges of integration

Fusion needs a little light in the darkness of uncertainty. Employees report a lack of transparency and a limited flow of information regarding the upcoming changes. While eleven project teams work on the technical implementation, trust in the process falls by the wayside for many. The critics are not fundamentally against the merger, but they criticize the timing and manner of the decision. A discreetly planned process and open communication are crucial to getting the workforce on board and overcoming possible resistance.

The meeting of representatives ultimately decides the fate of the merger; This requires approval from at least 75 percent of the representatives present. With the support of institutions such as Raiffeisenbank Butjadingen-Abbehausen, the first step on the way to the new Volksbank Jade-Weser could already be determined. However, it remains to be seen whether the cohesion among the workforce will survive the decision and whether the critical voices will also receive the necessary attention.