500 jobs in Koblenz: ZF and IG Metall are saving jobs for now!

500 jobs in Koblenz: ZF and IG Metall are saving jobs for now!

The situation surrounding jobs at ZF in Koblenz remains tense, but there is a ray of hope. On September 18, 2025, Dr. Peter Holtmann made the worrying announcement of a workforce reduction of over 500 jobs by 2030 during an information event for employees. However, the workforce shows great commitment and demands a strong commitment to Koblenz, while at the same time they fear for their future. How tagesschau.de reported, a preliminary agreement between IG Metall, the works council and the company management is in force, which excludes dismissals until mid-2026.

The negotiations in the Koblenz region have the backing of IG Metall, which is actively committed to preserving every single job. The ZF company has signed the preliminary agreement, but it does not deny that the workforce reduction is unavoidable from an operational perspective. A socially acceptable reduction should enable employees to cushion their situation through severance payments when changing jobs or bonuses for early retirement, according to information from the union.

Challenges for the Koblenz location

The employees' concerns are not unfounded. The works council has expressed profound concerns as the development area is particularly affected by the reduction plans. These measures could have a negative impact on the site's overall ability to operate. Erdal Tahta, the works council chairman, warns that the fate of Division U, which employs around 350 people, could threaten the site's existence. FIL, the employees working at the site, already have a plan igmetall-viertel-mitte.de reported, demanded that they not have to pay for management errors.

IG Metall is demanding that ZF develop a comprehensive concept for all German locations in order to address the concerns of employees and rule out redundancies for operational reasons. The first representative of IG Metall Koblenz, Ali Yener, has formulated clear expectations: A binding commitment to the future of the location is needed in order to reassure the workforce and provide planning security.

A look beyond the borders

The fate of ZF in Koblenz is not an isolated case. Many jobs are also at risk at other companies, such as EMAG. goeppingen-geislingen.igmetall.de shows that staff cuts are being made here under similar pressure, which is further putting pressure on labor market conditions in the region. The rapid and ruthless job cuts without sufficient support and negotiations have alarmed IG Metall, which is demanding fair solutions and social security for all workers.

All in all, the situation for the employees at ZF in Koblenz is anything but easy. At the moment it is important to stick together in the difficult economic situation, and everyone involved is called upon to find the most positive solution possible for the future. There is still hope that jobs will be retained until mid-2026, but in the long term clear decisions must be made for the future. The coming months will be crucial!