What exactly is planned in the Witt-Gruppe layoffs in Weiden?

The company plans to reduce 229 positions using a works council social plan. Staff will be offered early retirement and voluntary termination agreements, rather than compulsory redundancies. Verdi has criticized the approach. Investors should watch acceptance rates, final headcount, and disclosed costs as the plan progresses in Weiden this quarter.

Are compulsory redundancies part of the Witt Weiden job cuts?

No. The company says it aims to avoid compulsory redundancies by using early retirement and voluntary termination offers within a social plan. That reduces legal risk and helps maintain workplace stability. Any pivot toward forced cuts would raise risk and likely increase union resistance and public criticism.

How has the Verdi union responded to the plan?

The Verdi union has sharply criticized the approach and called for stronger safeguards for jobs and training. Ongoing talks and public statements will shape outcomes. Close attention to fairness, clear information, and compliance can reduce conflict. Watch for updates on acceptance rates and any changes to key terms in response to Verdi union response.

What should investors and policymakers in Germany watch next?

Track acceptance rates for early retirement and termination offers, the final number of exits, announced severance costs, and the tone of talks with the works council and Verdi. Also note any shift toward compulsory cuts, which would raise risk. Local media updates will signal how the plan performs on the ground.

Law and Government

Witt-Gruppe to Cut 229 Jobs in Weiden as Social Plan Set — February 04

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

Witt-Gruppe layoffs in Weiden will reduce 229 roles through a works council social plan using early retirement and termination offers to avoid compulsory redundancies. Verdi has issued sharp criticism of the approach. For investors and policymakers in Germany, the decision signals strict cost control in retail and rising labor relations risk in 2026. We explain how the social plan works, the Verdi union response, what to watch next, and the likely local impact of the Witt Weiden job cuts on February 04.