IG Metall Defends Conflict with ZF Board - ZF Friedrichshafen halts further layoffs amid union clashes over cost cuts
ZF Friedrichshafen has confirmed its cost-cutting program will avoid further job losses beyond the 14,000 already planned by 2028. The company's 'Division E' will still reduce 7,600 roles by 2030, but no additional redundancies are expected. Trade union IG Metall and management have clashed over the measures, with both sides now outlining their positions.
The dispute between ZF and IG Metall intensified last year, led by Helene Sommer, the union's top representative in Friedrichshafen-Oberschwaben. She defended the union's strong criticism of the company's leadership, arguing that social partnership does not mean avoiding conflict. Instead, she stressed that differing interests must be addressed, sometimes through open debate.
The savings program is now set to proceed without additional layoffs. ZF maintains that the €500 million in cuts will be enough to stabilize the division. Meanwhile, IG Metall continues to push for open discussions on how to balance cost reductions with workers' interests.
