Social plan for Zalando's Erfurt site finalized – without a transfer company

No transfer company – sharp criticism of management

An agreement on a reconciliation of interests, by contrast, was not reached. The works council also expressed disappointment that no transfer company is being set up. Especially given the difficult situation on the labor market for logistics professions, this is a severe setback for many of those affected, according to the employee representatives.

According to a company spokesperson, the social plan primarily regulates severance payments for employees affected by the site's closure. The 80 million euros set aside for this are intended for severance payments but could also be used for additional costs such as the deployment of temporary workers. A company spokesperson confirmed the conclusion of the social plan.

Site closure and new logistics in Gießen

The company had announced the closure of the Erfurt site at the end of last year. Zalando justified the move with a restructuring of its European logistics network following the acquisition of About You. A new logistics site is being built in Gießen.

Despite protests from the works council, unions, and workforce, as well as criticism from, among others, the Thuringian state government, Zalando stuck to the closure of the Erfurt site announced in January. A company spokesperson said the end-of-September closure date remained unchanged.

Conciliation board and the role of the labor court

Since management and the works council were unable to agree, a court-appointed conciliation board was brought in. The Erfurt Labor Court was also involved in the negotiations.

What employees can expect

The Zalando share is listed on Germany's leading index, the DAX. The company concluded site negotiations under heavy public pressure; the lack of a transfer company is regarded as the central fault line between the negotiating parties.

For employees, the social plan provides financial cushioning, but does not replace structured job placement. It therefore remains unclear how many of the 2,100 affected individuals will quickly find follow-up employment after the site closes in September.