Protest Against Job Losses at ZF and SKF in Schweinfurt by Over 5000 Employees - Mass layoffs of over 5,000 workers at ZF and SKF in Schweinfurt, Germany
In Schweinfurt, Germany, the metal and electrical industry is abuzz with news of job cuts and labor protests at ZF, while SKF secures a significant investment for growth and innovation.
On July 29, 2025, over 4,000 employees of ZF participated in a demonstration, voicing their concerns over the planned job cuts at the company's Schweinfurt site. The site, which is the second-largest for ZF in Germany, employs approximately 8,500 people, with 5,500 in the "E-Division" segment that covers electric, hybrid, and conventional drives.
ZF has announced plans to cut up to 14,000 jobs in Germany by the end of 2028, with further cuts being considered at sites in Bavaria and the rest of Germany. The company's CEO, Holger Klein, has announced a tightening of the austerity course, which may include employees being asked to forego money, and dismissals for operational reasons no longer being ruled out at ZF.
In contrast, SKF in Schweinfurt has secured a €430 million financing package from the European Investment Bank, aimed at boosting its research and development efforts, particularly focused on high-growth segments and sustainable technologies. This investment indicates a focus on sustainable growth and innovation rather than downsizing at SKF.
Although SKF has reportedly cut less than 140 jobs through old-age part-time work and severance programs over three years, the works council and IG Metall fear that many more jobs could be cut in the long term at SKF. However, employment security at SKF is guaranteed until the end of 2029.
The labor unrest at ZF has prompted further demonstrations at ZF sites in Nuremberg, Auerbach, Thyrnau, and Bayreuth in Bavaria. Works council chairman Norbert Völkl has demanded a minimum of 3,000 employees for the Schweinfurt plants to ensure their long-term survival and future.
In summary, ZF is undergoing restructuring with job cuts affecting employees directly, resulting in strong labor actions and likely operational disturbances. On the other hand, SKF is pursuing growth and transformation investments without reported job reductions at Schweinfurt. This investment in SKF's future is expected to secure employment and foster innovation, ensuring a positive outlook for the company.
[1] Source: Local news reports [2] Source: SKF press release
- The employment policy in EC countries, particularly Germany, is under scrutiny following ZF's announcement to cut up to 14,000 jobs by 2028, especially in the manufacturing industry.
- Despite the strategic investment of €430 million in research and development from the European Investment Bank, SKF in the finance sector is not immune to job concerns, with the works council and IG Metall expressing fears about potential long-term job cuts.
- The business sector in Germany is witnessing contrasting employment policies: ZF, operating in the manufacturing industry, is pursuing job reductions, while SKF, also in business, is prioritizing growth and investment in innovation.
- The general-news landscape in Germany is dominated by issues surrounding employment policy, with crime-and-justice concerns taking a back seat as labor protests and restructuring decisions in the industry play out.
