The online fashion giant Zalando is set to lay off hundreds of its employees, leaving them vulnerable and uncertain about their future. The layoffs come following overly accelerated growth during the coronavirus pandemic and a more challenging economic environment since then. Employees affected by these layoffs must consider the value of working with German employment law specialists. At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our team is ready and available to advocate for the rights of these employees.

Our certified specialists in German employment law will protect your rights, negotiate severance package deals where appropriate, and explore legal remedies suited to your circumstances. Our team is well-versed in employment laws and regulations concerning mass layoffs; we will guide you through the process and safeguard your interests.

Please, do not hesitate to contact us directly for expert legal advice and support.

If you have been affected by mass layoffs or have concerns regarding your employment rights, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced employment law team. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your situation. Together, we can evaluate your legal options and determine the best course of action to protect your rights and seek a just resolution.

The Role of Legal Representation: Our Services

Mass layoffs involve intricate legal considerations, including compliance with notice periods, severance entitlements, discrimination laws, and collective bargaining agreements. There may be avenues worth pursuing within each of these legal areas, especially considering the impact mass layoffs can have on affected individuals, such as their financial stability, career prospects, and emotional well-being.

Navigating these complexities without legal representation can leave you at a disadvantage. Our experienced lawyers will handle the complexities of the process, ensuring that your rights are protected, advocating for fair treatment, and exploring potential legal avenues to seek appropriate recourse.

At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our certified experts can advise you on all aspects of mass layoffs comprehensively. Here are some of the areas our employment team advises on:

The abovelisted services are just some of those that our lawyers offer in such cases. Our team will advise you regarding your options throughout the process and provide tailored solutions for your circumstances.

Assessing Mass Layoffs in Germany

Mass layoffs are subject to several crucial aspects to be considered valid. One of the primary requirements is business necessity, whereby the company must demonstrate that the layoffs were required for its financial stability and long-term viability. Should the mass layoff be permitted, the company still needs to comply with its legal obligations in German employment law.

One such requirement is that the employer has dismissed the employees appropriately and fairly. The process needs fairness, and it cannot be due to non-permitted discriminatory grounds. Aspects such as seniority within the company, job qualifications, and family responsibilities must be considered.

By working with our employment law professionals, we can uncover whether there are indications of discriminatory practices, violations of employment contracts, or breaches of collective bargaining agreements within the decision to terminate your employment contract.

Negotiating Severance Packages for Affected Employees

A fair settlement package can play a crucial role in providing affected employees with financial security following the termination of their employment. Determining a suitable severance package will involve closely examining the individual case. Fair severance terms can include compensation based on factors such as length of service, salary, and industry standards, as well as additional benefits such as extended healthcare coverage or career transition assistance.

Our lawyers have extensive negotiation skills and experience representing clients in German employment law matters. Our certified specialists understand the legal landscape and possess retail industry insights regarding essential factors in the negotiation.

However, we are aware that each individual affected by the layoffs has their own unique circumstances. Our team will work closely with them to examine their priorities, assess realistic legal solutions, and then guide them through the negotiations.

Remedies for Affected Employees

Should it emerge that there are cases of wrongful or unjustified employment termination or other legal issues, our lawyers are available to advise clients on how to seek the most appropriate legal remedy. Our team will tirelessly pursue options via litigation or alternative dispute resolution methods.

In situations involving unfair dismissal, employees may be able to be reinstated in the company; however, there is also the possibility of financial compensation and potential damages claims. Employees can also examine cases based on breaches of employment contracts, discrimination, and other violations. Whether litigation, negotiation, or arbitration is the preferred route will depend on the circumstances of the case.

Alternative dispute resolution methods like arbitration can be more efficient and cost-effective than litigation. Arbitration generally involves bringing legal arguments to experts in that particular area, such as employment law and employment termination matters. These cases are usually more likely to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution.

However, your best option will be based on your circumstances. At Schlun & Elseven, our employment specialists are equally satisfied to pursue litigation options and those outside the courtroom, such as arbitration.

Zalando Layoffs: The Background

Zalando has recently announced its decision to reduce its workforce of employees, citing an expansion that had become unsustainable and a challenging economic environment following the coronavirus pandemic. The company acknowledged that certain areas within its organisation had experienced excessive growth, leading to added complexity.

Consequently, Zalando will be implementing a program to eliminate several hundred overhead roles across various teams, with job cuts expected to reduce the workforce by up to 5%. This move reflects the company’s efforts to streamline operations and adapt to the evolving market conditions.

The company has stated that frontline operations roles in logistics centres, customer care and outlet stores, and operational roles in Zalando Studios would not be affected. The overhead roles within the company are those that support the core operations but are not directly involved in generating revenue or delivering the primary products or services of the company. Such positions can include those in IT, HR, administration and other managerial positions within the organisation.

Conclusion

The recent mass layoffs announced by Zalando have left hundreds of employees uncertain about their future. At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, we understand the challenges faced by these individuals and are committed to advocating for their rights. Our team of certified specialists in German employment law is ready to provide the necessary legal assistance to navigate the complexities of this situation.

We offer a range of services tailored to the needs of employees affected by mass layoffs. Our expertise includes negotiating fair severance packages, assessing the validity of layoffs, and pursuing legal remedies when necessary. With a deep understanding of German employment law and a track record of successful litigation and alternative dispute resolution, we are well-equipped to protect your rights and seek a just solution.

If you have been affected by the Zalando layoffs or have concerns about your employment rights, we encourage you to contact our experienced employment law team. Please, do not hesitate to contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss your situation. Together, we will evaluate your legal options and determine the best course of action to protect your rights.