Mercedes supplier Aios files for insolvency, about 300 jobs at risk
Saarland auto supplier Aios has filed for insolvency under self-administration. Around 300 employees are affected, mainly in Überherrn. IG Metall does not rule out new strikes.
Graphic: TERRA WORLD NEWS (own graphic based on the sources listed)
The crisis among auto suppliers has hit Saarland: Aios (Automotive Integrated Overhead Systems), which supplies interior parts to Mercedes-Benz, has filed for insolvency under self-administration, t-online reported, citing tagesschau.de. Some 300 employees at three sites are affected – about 240 at the headquarters in Überherrn-Altforweiler as well as smaller teams in Bremen and Sindelfingen.
According to IG Metall, management had warned internally of a possible insolvency as early as June. The union then demanded a social collective agreement and called a warning strike in September. Management rejected the accusation that it was refusing to talk and accused the union of exploiting the situation for other purposes.
IG Metall complains that there is still no plan for the plant's future. On Saturday, it planned to discuss next steps with members; new strikes are “not ruled out.” Under self-administration, existing management retains control while a custodian oversees the proceedings.