Three days before the start of training, the Schwaigern-based company iwis mechatronics terminates its newly hired apprentices. The union and works council criticize this sharply.
The ten new trainees actually wanted to complete a three-year training course at iwis mechatronics in Schwaigern (Heilbronn district). However, shortly before the start of their training, the company terminated their employment. The training of new trainees is being temporarily suspended, the reason being the poor economic situation, according to iwis mechatronics. The trainees now have to find a new training company by the end of the year. The company’s actions are met with incomprehension by the IG Metall union and the works council.
Poor economic situation is the reason for layoffs
In a written statement, iwis mechatronics states that fewer purchases of its products have been made since April 2024. In August, this situation worsened again. “There is currently no need for additional employees in the medium term,” said Daniel Melter, Head of Commercial. The company therefore cannot guarantee long-term employment after training, it continues.
Trainees: “The situation is shocking”
The trainees affected are shocked. They were not expecting such news. “I don’t think any of us are coping well with it,” says Nadine Becker, a technical product designer trainee. Her colleague Angelika Schilling, an industrial mechanic trainee, adds: “I’m a bit upset.” Their trainers are also sad about the situation. All of the trainees would have liked to stay at iwis mechatronics, the two say, because they get on very well with each other.
Union criticizes handling
The IG Metall Heilbronn-Neckarsulm does not agree with iwis mechatronics’ actions. The reasoning behind the termination is incomprehensible, says union secretary Niklas Anner. The fact that the termination came so shortly before the start of the training is not a respectful way of dealing with people. Anner would have liked the trainees to have been given a chance to look for another company before the start of their training.
Works council: Not the right way
The works council at iwis mechatronics is of the opinion that terminating apprentices is not the right way to save the company. The works council chairman, Martin Stäbe, explains: “We see no point in a future without training.” He is of the opinion that without young, up-and-coming employees, knowledge cannot be passed on. “This means we have no chance of success for the future,” says Stäbe.
At least two out of ten trainees who were laid off have already found a new job. The others are looking with the support of their employer and the union. According to the statement, iwis mechatronics also wants to resume training young people as soon as the economic situation has recovered.
