Job cuts at MAN - severance pay in the event of dismissal or cancellation agreement?

Notice of termination or cancellation agreement received from MAN - what to do? Lawyer clarifies!

Truck manufacturer MAN has agreed a redundancy programme with the works council and IG Metall for the reduction of a total of 3,500 jobs. Some of the 3,500 jobs will be cut through voluntary redundancy payments and others through partial retirement or a transfer within the VW Group.

However, redundancies for operational reasons are initially only possible until 2026 as part of a so-called employment guarantee with the consent of IG Metall.

If you have received a cancellation agreement from MAN and are unsure whether you will accept the severance payment offered by MAN, seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Special features of a cancellation agreement

A cancellation agreement pre-formulated by the employer will usually and predominantly reflect the interests of the employer. Without a lawyer with experience in labour law, you run the risk of suffering financial disadvantages if your employment relationship is terminated by mutual agreement.

An experienced lawyer or specialist lawyer for labour law will improve the termination agreement if necessary and renegotiate the amount of severance pay with the employer.

In individual cases, there are a number of points to consider in order to avoid having to accept any adverse effects, as an unchecked termination agreement harbours the risk that you will usually receive too low a severance payment. You also risk a blocking period and other disadvantages under social law.

Don't waste any time and call our labour law solicitor, Ms Neshe Filippatos, today. In a free and non-binding initial assessment by telephone, she will be happy to answer your questions about the amount of severance pay and how to draft your severance agreement.

Filippatos specialises in employment law and has been representing employees and employers for many years in negotiations relating to the conclusion of termination agreements and settlement agreements as well as protection against dismissal.

Entitlement to severance pay

Severance pay is a one-off compensation payment that an employee can receive from their employer in the event of dismissal or when concluding a cancellation agreement. However, there is no legal entitlement to a severance payment.

With legal advice, you are well represented in negotiations with your employer.

Avoid breaches of duty

You must also take care not to commit any breach of duty under your employment contract that could jeopardise your job and weaken your negotiating position with regard to a higher severance payment.

If you receive a warning letter or a transfer offer or if your employment relationship changes in any other way, seek legal advice immediately. Only a lawyer specialising in employment law can represent your interests.

Free initial assessment

We will be happy to carry out a free and non-binding initial assessment of your case. 

If you have legal expenses insurance, we will request a cover note from the insurance company free of charge.