Thyssenkrupp Announces Major Job Cuts Affecting 11,000 Employees

Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe has confirmed its plans to eliminate a total of 11,000 jobs as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts. The decision, which has been reiterated by the company's new human resources chief, emphasizes the company's commitment to this significant reduction in workforce.

In a recent statement, Thyssenkrupp reinforced that the job cuts will remain in effect, with formal discussions expected to commence shortly with the IG Metall union regarding a comprehensive social plan to support affected employees. The social plan aims to outline measures such as early retirement options, severance packages, and the establishment of transfer companies to assist in the transition.

Of the total job reductions, approximately 5,000 positions will be eliminated due to adjustments within production and administrative functions, while an additional 6,000 jobs will be outsourced to external service providers or through business sales. These strategic changes are anticipated to be implemented by the end of 2030, resulting in a workforce decrease from nearly 27,000 employees to around 16,000.

The announcement of these drastic measures first surfaced in November of the previous year, prompting significant backlash from labor organizations. The IG Metall union has expressed strong opposition to the planned cuts, vowing to resist the implementation of layoffs and site closures as part of the negotiation process. The union has stipulated that any discussions regarding job reductions must also include assurances of long-term financial viability for the steel giant.

As Thyssenkrupp moves forward with its restructuring plans, the focus remains on facilitating the re-employment of those affected by the layoffs. The company's leadership has stressed that finding new job opportunities for displaced workers will be a primary objective during this transition period.