Audi’s management has reaffirmed that there will be no job cuts at the carmaker's operations in Germany until 2029.
The Audi management confirmed the employment guarantee during a meeting with the German Works Council. Chairman Jörg Schlagbauer said discussions are ongoing on how to avoid layoffs during tough economic times. He dismissed other reports as rumours and speculation.
While there are talks, there are no negotiations yet on making Audi “weatherproof,” Schlagbauer said.
The company's goals include clear structures, faster decision-making, improved processes and increased added value.
Currently, about 54,000 people work for Audi in Germany. In 2019, management and unions agreed to reduce the workforce by 9,500 by 2025 through natural attrition. According to Audi, that programme is largely complete.
The reduction plan was linked to an employment guarantee that is in place until 2029.
Audi’s Chief Financial Officer, Jürgen Rittersberger, reiterated this commitment at the presentation of the company’s quarterly results on Tuesday. He mentioned that only “carefully selected” new hires would be made, with the focus on improving efficiency and competitiveness.
In Belgium, Audi will close its factory in Vorst by the end of February 2025, affecting approximately 3,000 employees.
