A recent Betriebsversammlung at ZF Friedrichshafen was abruptly ended due to employee dissatisfaction regarding proposed benefit cuts.
More than 5,000 employees gathered for a Betriebsversammlung at ZF Friedrichshafen to discuss the board’s plans to eliminate all above-tariff benefits. The discontent was palpable, leading to vocal protests against HR Executive Lea Corzilius, resulting in the meeting’s cancellation.
Employee Concerns Over Potential Salary Cuts
Employees reported a prevailing atmosphere of negativity and even anger. The proposed cuts of above-tariff benefits could result in monthly salary reductions ranging from 300 to 500 euros for many workers.
Total Works Council Chairman Achim Dietrich at the Betriebsversammlung.
In a subsequent press release, the Works Council clarified that while there were no insults thrown, loud whistles signified the lack of viability in continuing the assembly with such a large crowd. Achim Dietrich confirmed that the whistles were directed primarily at Corzilius, who attempted to explain the management’s plans to cut extra pay components.
The proposed cuts are estimated to affect salaries by 7% to 13%, creating additional burdens for employees already facing reduced working hours and associated income loss.
Hope for Negotiation
Despite the turbulence, the Works Council remains optimistic about reaching a compromise with management. “We negotiated until the previous evening, but unfortunately, no agreement was reached,” said Dietrich. The likelihood of achieving a compromise in the coming days remains in doubt.
In a statement, ZF emphasized the need to enhance the competitiveness of the plant, given the challenges facing the automotive industry:
“Given the challenging situation in our industry, it is clear that we must improve the competitiveness of our location to create future prospects.”
Statement from ZF Friedrichshafen
