Restructuring events
European Restructuring Monitor (ERM)
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.
Opel, a German car manufacturer, has announced 650 job cuts at its site in Rüsselsheim by the end of 2027. Opel currently employs around 1,650 engineers in Rüsselsheim.
According to a company spokesperson, the job losses are a long term result of Opel’s transition from General Motors to the Stellantis Group. At the moment, the automotive industry is reducing jobs due to week demand for its products and increased foreign competition.
The management has informed the works council on its job reduction scheme and wants to negotiate mutually agreeable solutions. Possible measures include early retirement and severance payments. The Opel works council already criticised the management plans. Representatives of the trade union IG Metall stated that they will not simply accept the announced job cuts and that existing talent should be retained to catch up with Asian car manufacturers.
Overall, 6,800 people work for the company in Rüsselsheim.
Eurofound (2026), Opel, Internal restructuring in Germany, factsheet number 204548, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/204548.