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ZF Saarbrücken: Only 825 job cuts – hope for the future remains!
ZF Friedrichshafen reaches agreement on job cuts in Saarbrücken: 825 jobs affected, while 2,800 were averted.
ZF Saarbrücken: Only 825 job cuts – hope for the future remains!
The current situation at ZF Friedrichshafen has made many in the region sit up and take notice. After a recent works meeting, an agreement was reached on the restructuring plan for the Saarbrücken production site. While the workforce responds positively to the plan, long-term uncertainty about the future remains. Originally it was feared that 2,800 jobs would be cut; Now “only” 825 positions have to go. This happens largely through partial retirement and the expiry of fixed-term contracts. Those who leave voluntarily will receive generous severance payments of up to 250,000 euros, which many consider to be an attractive option.
But what is behind this agreement? ZF is planning savings of over 500 million euros by 2027 and the reduction of a total of 7,600 jobs in the E division by 2030. However, the drive division, to which the Saarbrücken location belongs, will remain. On the other hand, a 3.1 percent salary increase that was scheduled for April 2026 has been postponed to October 2026. In addition, allowances for 2025 and 2026 will be eliminated, while some special payments will be converted into additional vacation days.
Challenges for the automotive industry
The difficulties are not unique to ZF. The entire German auto industry is under pressure. Around 19,000 jobs were cut in 2024, a development that, according to a study by the consulting firm EY, could be just the beginning. At the end of 2024, only over 761,000 people were employed in the auto industry - the lowest level since 2013. To put this into perspective: In 2023 there were still around 780,000 employees, and in 2018 there were even 834,000.
The reasons for this frightening development are manifold. High costs, weak demand and the expensive coexistence of combustion engines and electric cars are putting pressure on manufacturers. At the same time, massive investments in electromobility have not brought the hoped-for market success, and the Chinese market, an important customer, is showing declining trends. This is forcing companies to cut costs, which could trigger another wave of job cuts.
Political support required
Against this background, the role of politics should not be underestimated. The works council and IG Metall emphasize how important political support is for future technologies such as hybrids and synthetic fuels. Given the current challenges, the outlook for the future remains skeptical, and many suppliers see their existence at risk.
The situation is therefore tense, but the hope for higher margins and stabilization in the medium-term future remains. The problems have been recognized and it is to be hoped that through smart decisions and, above all, through long-term investments, the turnaround can still be achieved.