Deutsche Post DHL’s board member responsible for postal and parcel services in Germany, Nikola Hagleitner, has defended the company’s planned job reductions. Speaking to publications within the Funke-Mediengruppe, Hagleitner emphasized the necessity of the measures, stating that the company had no alternative.
She explained that German postal law mandates the efficient provision of universal service and achieving a revenue of one billion euros annually is crucial for maintaining and modernizing the company’s infrastructure. Hagleitner highlighted that, unlike manufacturing industries, Deutsche Post DHL operates on demand and cannot maintain a workforce based on speculation.
The announcement of the planned reduction of 8,000 jobs within the letters and parcel business, made earlier this year, occurred just two days after reaching a labor agreement with the Verdi trade union. Hagleitner denied any connection between the agreement and the subsequent job cuts, asserting that the decision was not intended to penalize the union and that the company values its partnership and constructive dialogue with the works council and Verdi.
Describing the personnel reduction as a necessary business decision, Hagleitner cited declining letter volumes, escalating costs and substantial investment pressures as contributing factors. She underscored the legal requirement for the company to generate a reasonable profit margin to facilitate investments in a sustainable postal infrastructure, a modernization effort widely considered desirable from both societal and political perspectives. Hagleitner asserted that the necessary funds would be unavailable without personnel-related cost savings.
Despite the job cuts, Hagleitner maintained that Deutsche Post DHL remains an attractive employer. She noted that the company hired several thousand employees in August, receiving over 100,000 applications. Furthermore, plans are underway to recruit approximately 10,000 delivery personnel to cope with the traditionally high demand during the pre-Christmas season.
