Deutsche Post DHL’s board member responsible for the postal and parcel business in Germany, Nikola Hagleitner, has defended the company’s planned workforce reductions. In an interview with Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, Hagleitner emphasized the necessity of the measures, citing legal requirements and evolving market conditions.
She explained that the Postal Law mandates the efficient delivery of universal service and that the company’s ability to modernize its infrastructure hinges on generating approximately one billion euros annually. “The times have changed and we need to manage resources consistently” Hagleitner stated. She highlighted the operational differences between postal services and manufacturing, noting the inability to maintain staffing levels without corresponding volume.
The announcement of 8,000 job cuts within the letter and parcel divisions, made earlier this year, occurred shortly after a wage agreement was reached with the Verdi trade union. Hagleitner denied any connection between the agreement and the subsequent reduction in personnel, asserting that the move was not intended as a retaliatory measure. She underscored the company’s commitment to a constructive partnership with the works council and Verdi, emphasizing the value placed on open dialogue.
Hagleitner framed the staffing reductions as an unavoidable business decision dictated by a decline in letter volumes, rising costs and significant pressure to invest in modernization. She reiterated that the Postal Law requires a sufficient profit margin to enable sustainable infrastructure development. She argued that the necessary funds would be unavailable without corresponding savings in personnel costs.
Despite the planned cuts, Hagleitner insisted on the ongoing appeal of Deutsche Post DHL as an employer. She reported several thousand new hires in August, receiving over 100,000 applications. The company anticipates recruiting approximately 10,000 delivery personnel in preparation for the traditionally strong pre-Christmas business season.