The crisis has reached Częstochowa. Job cuts at the belt and pillow factory

The German concern ZF LIFETEC announced mass layoffs at the plant in Częstochowa, where seat belts and airbag system components are produced. The reduction will cover 225 positions, which corresponds to approximately 7%. current crew. The trial is to be carried out in the first half of 2026, tvn24 reported. The decision was made due to the deterioration of the situation in the automotive industry and the weakening economic situation.

A tragic situation

The company’s representatives point to the growing excess of production capacity, as well as geopolitical tensions and increased customs duties, which have a significant impact on global markets. As highlighted, structural changes are necessary to improve competitiveness, maintain profitability and secure future jobs. Currently, talks are underway with the employee representation regarding the conditions of the planned reduction.

Trade unionists from NSZZ “Solidarność” report that the employer presented the company’s situation as “tragic” and that the company is “fighting for survival on the automotive market.” The corrective actions included employment restructuring and the transfer of some production lines to the Czech Republic and Romania. According to the company’s data, as of September 31, 2025, the Częstochowa plant employed a total of 3,193 people.

Cuts in structures

These are not the first cuts in ZF’s Polish structures this year. In August, reductions were carried out at the ZF Electronics Engineering Center in Częstochowa, where 110 people lost their jobs. The scale of changes is part of a broader trend on the European automotive market. In recent months, major companies have announced savings programs worth thousands of dollars: Volvo Cars announced a reduction of 3,000. full-time positions (of which 1.2 thousand in Sweden), Audi – up to 7.5 thousand jobs by the end of 2029, and Bosch announced its plan to reduce employment by another 1,000. people, after the earlier announcement of the liquidation of 7,000. positions.

ZF LIFETEC emphasizes the need to adapt the scale of operations to demand and cost pressure. The company indicates that organizing the structures is not only to reduce current burdens, but also to prepare the plant for the changing economic situation and continuing regulatory and commercial uncertainty. In the near future, negotiations with staff representatives will continue to determine the scope and schedule of layoffs and the rules of support for departing employees.