The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
Manufacturing Manufacture For Transport Equipment Manufacture Of Motor Vehicles, Trailers And Semi-Trailers 29.1 - Manufacture of motor vehicles
4,100 jobs Number of planned job losses
Announcement Date
13 January 2020
Employment effect (start)
13 January 2020
Foreseen end date
31 December 2023
Description
As announced on 13. January 2020, the automobile manufacturer Opel plans to cut 4,100 jobs, in Germany, by 2023 due to internal restructuring. Management announced that cuts are necessary to secure the company’s long-term future and specifically mentioned transformation of the automobile market and the planned merger with Fiat-Chrysler for other reasons. The job reduction will be staggered in 3 phases and will offer remaining employees protection against dismissal:
Opel will cut 2,100 jobs by the end of 2021 - in return employees are protected against dismissals until 2025.
In 2022 Opel will undergo a further reduction of 1,000 jobs which will result in an extension of the protection against dismissal until 2027
In 2023, Opel plans to cut a further 1,000 jobs which will prolong the protection against dismissal until 2029.
According to Opel, the job reduction will be as socially acceptable as possible. Opel will offer volunteer programmes and early-retirement programmes.
Updated, 14/01/25
Opel is currently implementing a measure to eliminate 1,000 positions as a part of the second phase of the planned job cuts. To accelerate the process, Opel is now offering fast-track severance packages. Employees who decide on a severance package by mid-January will receive a special bonus. The current program primarily targets engineers and the company’s headquarters in Rüsselsheim. In October 2024, the number of temporary workers at the site was already reduced by 200. Stellantis reported a 20% decline in sales for the first nine months of 2024.
Eurofound (2020), Opel, Internal restructuring in Germany, factsheet number 100337, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/100337.
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