Can Schaeffler dismiss me for operational reasons?

Under the social plan (Sozialplan) and reconciliation of interests (Interessenausgleich) agreed between the works council and management, dismissals for operational reasons are ruled out. The cuts run through voluntary programmes, termination agreements and partial retirement, within the framework of the 2018 future agreement with IG Metall. For you, this means: not much happens without your signature, so the terms are correspondingly negotiable.

How much severance pay can I expect at Schaeffler?

The amount depends on the relevant social plan or voluntary programme and your profile (age, length of service, role). In the metal and electrical industry, social plan factors typically range between 0.8 and 1.5 gross monthly salaries per year of service, plus base and hardship amounts. A reliable figure only emerges once you have a concrete offer, which we work through with you.

Which sites are hit hardest?

Publicly named cases include the closure of the Homburg plant (around 200 jobs, source: fachanwalt.de) and heavy cuts in Limbach-Oberfrohna, where according to Freie Presse around two-thirds of staff must leave. Schweinfurt and other sites also face adjustments.

Should I accept the voluntary offer or partial retirement?

It comes down to the numbers: severance amount versus the social plan formula, the risk of a benefit suspension period (Sperrzeit) and payment suspension for unemployment benefit (Sections 158, 159 SGB III), and for partial retirement also pension deductions and top-up payments, plus tax (the one-fifth rule). We assess your package in a no-cost initial consultation before you sign.

What does your advice cost?

The initial consultation is at no cost. If you instruct us, we work on a success basis via litigation funding, so you carry no upfront cost risk.

Severance pay (Abfindung) at Schaeffler 2026: what matters now for you

Around 4,700 jobs gross across Europe, roughly 2,800 in Germany; after relocations, the net reduction comes to around 3,700 positions. Ten German sites and five more across Europe are affected, two of which are to close (sources: Schaeffler press release, 5 November 2024, Automobilwoche).

Reviewed by specialized labor lawyers · Updated: July 2026

Schaeffler is cutting around 4,700 jobs gross across Europe, roughly 2,800 of them in Germany; after relocations, the net figure is around 3,700 (source: Schaeffler press release, 5 November 2024).

Ten German sites and five more across Europe are affected; two European sites are to close, in Germany this hits Homburg hard (closure, around 200 jobs) and Limbach-Oberfrohna.

The cuts run mainly from 2025 to 2027, through natural staff turnover, voluntary programmes, termination agreements (Aufhebungsverträge) and partial retirement.

Under the agreed social plan (Sozialplan) and reconciliation of interests (Interessenausgleich), dismissals for operational reasons are ruled out; the framework is the 2018 future agreement (Zukunftsvereinbarung) with IG Metall.

Background: the merger with Vitesco and weakness in the combustion-engine business; Schaeffler expects annual savings of around €290 million from 2029.

We review your termination agreement or severance offer at no upfront cost, paid only on success.

Job cuts at Schaeffler: what’s happening right now?

Following the merger with Vitesco and amid weakness in the combustion-engine business, Schaeffler announced “structural measures” in November 2024: brutto 4,700 jobs gross across Europe, of which around 2,800 in Germany; net around 3,700 (Schaeffler press release, 5 November 2024; Automobilwoche). Implementation mainly 2025 to 2027; from 2029 the measures are expected to save around €290 million per year.

Affected sites

Ten sites in Germany plus five in Europe; two European sites are to close.
Homburg (Saarland): plant closure, around 200 jobs (fachanwalt.de).
Limbach-Oberfrohna (Saxony): according to Freie Presse, around two-thirds of staff must leave.
Schweinfurt and other sites: further adjustments.

Voluntary programmes instead of dismissals: your starting position

Under the agreed social plan (Sozialplan) and reconciliation of interests (Interessenausgleich), dismissals for operational reasons are ruled out; the cuts run through natural staff turnover, voluntary programmes, termination agreements and partial retirement, within the framework of the 2018 future agreement with IG Metall (WirtschaftsWoche). This strengthens your position: Schaeffler needs your signature. The social plan formula value is the floor, individually more is often negotiable.

Received a voluntary offer? Check it first

Points to check: the amount against the social plan formula and your profile, the risk of a benefit suspension period for unemployment benefit, the notice period (Section 158 SGB III, for long-serving metal industry staff this can quickly reach 6 to 7 months), waiver and settlement clauses, and the tax (one-fifth rule). Upload your document, the critical points are flagged within seconds, at no cost.

How we work

A no-cost initial consultation, assessment of your offer by our specialised partner law firm, and if you instruct us, negotiation funded via litigation financing, with no upfront cost risk for you. See how the cost model works.

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