Situation
The internationally active Group A maintains a production site for the electrical industry with more than 120 employees in Germany, which is no longer profitable and cannot be expanded any further. Own locations in Eastern Europe still have capacity. The site is therefore to be closed. The foreign management of A has no experience with closures in Germany. You therefore turn to your trusted provider, who works with a long-standing partner in Germany. The German provider uses an interim HR manager who has already negotiated several closures.
The challenge
First of all, a social plan and a reconciliation of interests must be negotiated. The representatives of IG Metall are involved in this process. A transfer company will then be set up. The Interim HR Manager must negotiate the termination of each individual employee’s employment contract in compliance with all regulations governing collective redundancies. The HR interim manager must also explain the entire procedure to the foreign shareholder in English.
Action
The interim HR manager is able to draw up a template that can be used to calculate the costs for reconciliation of interests, social plan and rescue company. Once the decision on closures has been made, the interim HR manager also supports the creation of the communication plan. He or she takes over the negotiations with the works council, which is often supported by the trade union. The interim HR manager also takes care of the formalities in the event of a closure, for example the notification of mass dismissal. The HR manager has compiled all the data for the termination. This is followed by the separation talks, for which the interim HR manager needs a sure instinct. The HR manager advises employees on applying for new jobs. He may even be able to find new jobs through his contacts.
Result
A was able to meet all the conditions for a successful closure. The closure was completed on schedule and within budget.
