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Kaufland Albstadt closes: 80 terminations and controversial bonus!
Kaufland in Albstadt lays off 80 employees due to demolition and new construction. Retention bonus causes mixed reactions among employees.
Kaufland Albstadt closes: 80 terminations and controversial bonus!
A smoky cloud is drifting over the Kaufland branch on Kientenstrasse in Albstadt: around 80 employees have to look for new jobs. The reason for these massive layoffs is the planned demolition and new construction work, which is due to begin shortly. How Schwäbische.de reported, this primarily affects local employees whose contracts run until the end of 2025 or beginning of 2026.
In order to offer the remaining employees an incentive to hold out until the closure in January 2026, Kaufland has introduced a stay bonus of 30 euros per day. But not everyone is enthusiastic about this measure. The reactions within the workforce are mixed. Some see the bonus as unhelpful in an already emotionally stressful situation, while others question whether the amount is worth the additional "dirty work" they have to do while colleagues are sent on unemployment. They share these concerns with them Echo24.de.
Criticism of communication
The sensitivities of the employees cannot be overlooked. Many people feel that the terminations and the communication about them are not being taken seriously. Designed to be visually appealing, the stay bonus is a drop in the ocean for some, and the severance payments offered do not seem to be sufficient. Kaufland himself emphasizes that the layoffs are “operational” and the last resort. The store manager also spoke personally to many employees about the difficult situation. Still, a sense of uncertainty remains as layoffs linger, Black Forest messenger describes this vividly.
The construction site planning is a long time coming: the demolition of the branch will take around two years, while the employees have to find new perspectives as soon as possible. Switching to other Kaufland stores in the area was previously an option during the new construction phase, but is no longer possible. The uncertainty is not only affecting the mood, but also the health of many employees, which makes the situation even more difficult.
Time will tell how further developments in Albstadt will develop and whether Kaufland will be able to repair the damage to employee loyalty caused by this difficult phase. However, one thing is certain: the effects are noticeable and many employees are now facing new challenges in the labor market.