Opel to Enhance Layoffs: Over 4100 Workers to Depart from the Car Manufacturer Immediately
In a recent development, Opel, a key player within the Stellantis group, has broadened the scope of its voluntary job severance program to include almost all its locations in Germany. This move is part of a larger strategy to streamline its workforce in the country, as production scales back and Opel's presence in Germany diminishes.
The expanded severance program, announced in June 2025, now covers the previously announced facility in Eisenach and the Rüsselsheim plant, among other Opel Group sites in Germany. The aim is to encourage employees to leave voluntarily, offering improved severance packages as an incentive.
This move is significant as it comes amidst a broader trend of job cuts and restructuring in the German automotive sector. Companies such as Bosch, Ford, Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and others are also undergoing similar changes, reflecting the challenging transformation the industry is facing due to the shift towards electric vehicles and global competition.
The works council has expressed concern about the simultaneous announcement of the improved Opel Voluntary Program, calling on Opel to engage in consultations and negotiations regarding the program.
The voluntary program offers an attractive option for employees to depart from Opel, providing a less conflictual route compared to forced layoffs. However, specific details about the exact severance terms and regional differences have not been publicly disclosed.
The termination protection period for employees participating in the Opel Voluntary Program has been extended to a maximum of July 31, 2029. This extension is in line with the existing agreement with the works council.
The Opel Voluntary Program, which allows up to 4,100 employees to leave the company, has been in existence for several years and has had temporary improvements in the past. The program is now open until the end of September.
The job cuts and voluntary program are affecting Opel's employees in Ruesselsheim, Kaiserslautern, Dudenhofen, and Eisenach. It's important to note that as of the report, the number of employees who have left the company due to job cuts has not yet reached 4,100.
The report about the expanded Opel Voluntary Program was published by Wirtschaftswoche. The program is designed to make voluntary departure more attractive, with the maximum severance package for the voluntary program being increased by six individual gross monthly salaries.
In summary, Opel's expanded voluntary job severance program now affects nearly all German Opel sites, offering an option for employees to leave voluntarily under improved severance conditions as part of Opel’s broader workforce reduction and restructuring strategy in Germany.
What are the financial implications for Opel employees if they choose to participate in the expanded voluntary job severance program?This decision could significantly impact the future of employees' finances, as the maximum severance package for the voluntary program has been increased by six individual gross monthly salaries.
