The logistics and CEP service provider Hermes is currently working on the further development of its core business as part of its "Full Potential Plan," according to its own statements. As reported by the union Ver.di in an article in the member magazine on July 22, this restructuring is associated with a comprehensive reduction of jobs. According to Ver.di, around 700 jobs will fall victim to the implementation of the Full Potential Program. Now, Hermes' central works council, with the support of Ver.di, has enforced a balance of interests and four social plans that apply to various areas.
"At least the restructuring and the planned job cuts will be implemented in a socially responsible manner," says Hamburg's Ver.di regional department head Lars-Uwe Rieck. "The company representation has ensured through its commitment that the measures are cushioned socially, which is very important for those affected."
According to Ver.di, as part of the restructuring, self-delivery, which already accounts for less than five percent at Hermes, will be completely outsourced. The service tour drivers, who visit the parcel shops, will also no
longer be employed by Hermes. Instead, external companies will be used here as well.
"We consider this path fundamentally wrong and continue to believe that a company with self-delivery and a strong market presence has better chances of sustainable success," emphasizes Lars-Uwe Rieck. "Unfortunately, we cannot influence this business decision."
Hermes Germany confirmed the restructuring plans to LOGISTIK HEUTE but did not comment on the number of jobs that will be cut due to the Full Potential Plan.
"As part of the FPP, structural and personnel changes are planned in both the commercial and operational areas, alongside process, network, and service optimization. This also includes delivery. Hermes Germany has a clear objective of offering all its drivers opportunities for alternative employment. Already today, Hermes Germany successfully works with 300 service partners in Germany, who already handle around 90 to 95 percent of parcel deliveries for us daily. Our own drivers were mostly only active in the parcel shop deliveries. Therefore, there is almost no change in the last mile sector in home delivery," said a company spokesperson from Hermes.
The company's goal, according to its statements, is to put the operational processes and structures on a more effective and efficient footing as part of the Full Potential Plan.
"Not least, with a view to the typically strong volume fluctuations throughout the year, it is important that we can continuously operate with the highest possible flexibility while being cost-sensitive on the last mile. A consistently reliable and flexible performance means an even higher comfort level for clients and customers and helps us increase customer satisfaction," the company spokesperson continued.
According to Ver.di, the agreements enforced by the central works council are intended to provide some security during the restructuring process. The contents are complex: In some areas, personnel will be reduced; in others, shift systems will change, or tasks will be redefined. Ver.di confirms that Hermes partially offers alternative jobs, while in other cases, employees can voluntarily leave the company with severance pay.
"The important thing is: All affected drivers can either accept an alternative job or severance pay. This option only came about after intervention by Ver.di," says
Lars-Uwe Rieck.
The changes affect a wide range of occupational groups – from driving staff to warehouse logistics employees to clerical staff.
"It is clear: The pressure on the remaining colleagues will increase," criticizes the union representative. "If the same or better results are to be achieved with less staff, this cannot be avoided."
Ver.di states it closely accompanied the negotiation of the balance of interests and social plans and supported the works councils. "Nevertheless, we are not completely satisfied; the agreement is a compromise," says Rieck. It is also important that the agreed regulations are implemented in practice.
"The works councils must remain vigilant, and the employees must be informed about their rights." Many Hermes employees have already noticed the management's cost-cutting measures in their wallets. For employees with above-scale payments, tariff increases are offset once, so that some might miss out, according to the union.
"This is legally possible," explains the Ver.di regional department head. "But how motivation in the company is supposed to be kept high under these conditions remains the secret of the Hermes management."
