Apparently, the Linde Group plans to cut several hundred jobs in its plants division, affecting sites in Höllriegelskreuth near Pullach and Dresden, according to the Süddeutsche Zeitung (Tuesday edition). Up to 400 positions could be eliminated by the end of May – roughly one in four jobs in plant construction at those two locations. Negotiations with employees and the works council are reportedly running at full speed.
Linde has explained that plant construction is “exposed to intense and increasing international cost and technology competition”. To maintain competitiveness, the company says it must continuously adjust the organization and resources of this division. In a letter to staff, the company outlined three options: agree to a settlement contract by the end of March; be transferred to a transfer company by the end of April; or, if possible, consent to a reduced‑working‑hours (partial retirement) arrangement by the end of March. Employees who do not comply with any of these deadlines face layoffs.
The Linde Group is the world’s largest industrial gas supplier and has been operating under its current structure since the merger with U.S. competitor Praxair. Although the company enjoys high profits, plant construction – headquartered in Höllriegelskreuth near Munich – contributes only a small share of its overall revenue and earnings.