The works council of the Erfurt logistics center of the fashion mail order company Zalando
According to the State Chancellery, Thuringia’s Prime Minister Mario Voigt (CDU) will assure the employees of the state government’s support. “The company’s decision was irresponsible,” explained Voigt.
Future uncertain for 2,700 employees
The works meeting is about the professional future of the 2,700 employees of the internet fashion retailer in Erfurt. In order to provide space for everyone, the works council has rented an exhibition hall in Erfurt. According to estimates, around 300 employees at service providers in the region are also affected.
Since the closure decision at the beginning of January, the employee representatives have criticized the fact that the works council was not consulted in a timely manner, contrary to legal regulations. He insists on his right to participate. Since the announcement that the location would close in September, there has been no contact with the board, Krause said. The works council has now hired a lawyer.
Criticism of bag checks
Despite the shock, operations in the logistics center continue as normal. “There is no one coming to us about a termination agreement.” Initial preparations for job placement by the regional employment agency are only being made for employees whose fixed-term contracts are about to expire.
The works council criticized the company’s safety precautions at the first works meeting after the announced closure of the site on Thursday evening. Many security guards, bag checks and possibly scanners can be expected, said Krause. “We think this is completely exaggerated.”
Krause pointed out that the company had already taken extreme security precautions when it announced the site closure at the beginning of January. Window handles were removed and around 50 additional security guards, as well as paramedics, were deployed. When asked about the safety precautions, a Zalando company spokesman said that the employer has a duty of care and is also liable in the event of incidents. “Safety comes first.”
The state government does not skimp on criticism
According to Voigt, the state government wants to do everything it can to create new career prospects for Zalando employees. “We support qualifications, organize advice directly on site and rely on the many logistics companies here in Central Thuringia. We will do everything we can to ensure that everyone affected gets a fair chance at new work.”
Economics Minister Colette Boos-John (CDU) accused the company of failing for a long time to continuously invest in the modernization and further development of its oldest and largest logistics location. “In my view, the decision to close the site was by no means without alternative – in fact, it could have been avoided.” She described the treatment of employees as “downright shabby”.
Labor Minister Katharina Schenk (SPD) recalled the financial support for the investment 14 years ago. The city opened a bus line and built a cycle path for Zalando. Schenk: “Zalando can’t get away too cheaply now.” Co-determination really needs to be lived.
