Erfurt Logistics Hub at Center of Zalando Closure Talks as Mediation Begins
Published on 06/23/2026 at 17:38 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
Mediators convened in Erfurt on Wednesday for the first session aimed at resolving the deadlock over Zalando’s planned closure of its logistics center, a move that threatens 2,100 jobs. The company has set September 30 as the shutdown date, and workers face the prospect of dismissal if no agreement is reached.
The talks, chaired by a neutral mediator, come after direct negotiations between management and the works council collapsed on June 20. Both sides are now working through a four-meeting schedule, with the final session planned for July 9. The agenda covers two main instruments: a social plan (Sozialplan) governing severance and support measures, and a reconciliation of interests (Interessenausgleich) outlining how the closure will proceed.
A Gap of Tens of Millions
The core dispute centers on the social plan budget. According to employee-side sources, Zalando’s latest offer stood at between 30 and 40 million euros. The works council is demanding roughly 100 million euros. Critics argue the company can afford far more given its financial firepower.
Christian Schaft, parliamentary leader of the Left party in Thuringia, pointed to recent Zalando expenditures: one billion euros for its stake in About You, 300 million euros in share buybacks, plus hefty sums on marketing and sponsorship. “Given that, the money for the Erfurt workforce cannot be missing,” he said.
State Government Urges Speed
Thuringia’s labor minister, Katharina Schenk (SPD), called on both sides to reach a swift resolution. She emphasized that the outcome should not only secure financial compensation but also provide retraining opportunities for workers to find new jobs.
The reconciliation-of-interests portion had reportedly made good progress before talks broke down. Now the mediation panel must broker a compromise on severance packages and transition assistance.
A small signal of uncertainty appeared in Zalando’s share price, which traded between 24.13 and 24.24 euros—a slight decline. But the real deadline is political: an agreement by early July is seen as critical so that employees have clarity about their future in time. With four mediation meetings on the calendar, the clock is ticking.
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