Lufthansa is initiating the workforce reduction plan, initially announced last September, aiming to cut 4,000 positions by 2030. This development, reported by the “Handelsblatt” based on an internal memo to employees, introduces the voluntary program “New Ways” for employees of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. This initiative is designed to eliminate up to 550 full-time roles across the core brand, Lufthansa Airlines, and in central departments of the company.
The company is presenting employees with two options. First, affected staff members can sign a termination agreement that includes a severance package. Alternatively, they can opt for a termination contract featuring irrevocable paid leave, which also includes permission to take on outside employment not related to the Lufthansa Group. While the principle of dual voluntariness is in place-meaning both the employee and the relevant manager must agree to a termination contract-there is a key limitation: employees cannot voluntarily apply themselves. Instead, individuals who are candidates for “New Ways” will be contacted by their superiors, a process scheduled to begin on July 27th.
The specific figures regarding the severance package offered by the company were not disclosed. According to the memo cited by the “Handelsblatt”, “The modalities of possible severance pay are based on an established framework, but the details result from individual factors and will therefore be explained in personal discussions with HR consultants and the relevant manager.” The planned job reduction is not intended to be achieved solely through voluntary measures, but will also involve attrition and the decision not to fill vacant positions. Notably, the company has stated it is not offering reduced working hours (altersteilzeit) as an option.
