Kirchdorf: 900 Unitech employees under pressure-contracts under criticism

The situation in the region around Kirchdorf an der Krems is currently tense because companies face considerable challenges in the automotive supply industry. The TCG Unitech Group, based in Kirchdorf, is currently conducting talks with almost 900 of its 1,000 employees about new contractual conditions, which are a deterioration for many. Works council chairwoman Roswitha Grammer makes it clear that the employees are threatened that they could lose their jobs if they do not sign the new contracts.

"The mood has been mixed," says Grammer in an interview with ORF Upper Austria. The uncertainty among the majority of the workforce is noticeable, since many are now faced with the decision whether they accept the new amendments to change, which also contain the waiver of an already agreed wage increase of 4.8 percent. The employees feel under pressure through this decision, and the understanding of the economic situation cannot alleviate the disappointment with the loss of wage increase. "It is of course an extreme blow," continues Grammer.

closure plans at Freudenberg

Another company in the region, the Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, also plans drastic measures. The work in Losenstein, which mainly produces plastic products for the automotive industry, is about to be closed, which puts 100 jobs in danger. These decisions were announced on Tuesday in a company meeting of the employees.

The reasons for the closure plans are diverse. The company reports on a "declining demand in all markets" and a "significantly slower" market for electric vehicles. The high production costs and the ongoing substructure have further tightened the business situation at the Losenstein location. A spokeswoman for the company said that the exact time of the closure has not yet been determined and discussions about the course of the possible job drops between employer and employee representatives are currently underway.

The situation in the automotive supply industry is particularly critical for the employees of both companies and shapes the current living conditions of those affected in the region. How things will develop remains to be seen, and those affected hope for positive twists in the negotiations to secure their jobs. Difficulties in the industry now require more comprehensive understanding and restrained management.