BMW implemented a voluntary redundancy program that generated significant interest among employees, resulting in instability of the online registration portal.
The internal system, made available on the 8th, allowed each employee to view the specific amount of their severance pay. Due to the excessive volume of access, the company had to temporarily suspend the reception of new registrations, as reported by the German newspaper Handelsblatt.
It is estimated that approximately 40,000 employees in Germany, covering sectors such as administration, management, and research, managed to check their proposals. Production line workers were excluded from this program.
Handelsblatt obtained access to a confidential model of the agreement, presenting cases where payments exceed €650,000, which is equivalent to R$ 3.7 million. However, a BMW spokesperson refused to confirm this amount, indicating that most employees will receive significantly smaller sums.
The severance calculation considers factors such as salary, age, and length of service. According to the newspaper Bild, employees with higher salaries and long careers may receive about €50,000 (R$ 286,000) per year worked.
There are two available departure dates: March 31 or October 31, 2027. Those who opt for the first date will receive an additional payment called the 'turbo bonus', in addition to the basic severance pay. The amount can be paid in full, in installments, or directed to private pension.
Employees who reach the age of 55 by October 31, 2027, will also have access to benefits intended for BMW retirees. Furthermore, some departing employees will continue to enjoy discounts on the purchase of new and used brand vehicles.
It is important to note that, in Germany, legislation does not guarantee compensation for those who choose to leave the company voluntarily. Programs like this, known in Brazil as PDV, offer negotiated amounts with the aim of encouraging departures.
This initiative is part of BMW's larger plan to carry out cuts of about 8,000 jobs by the end of 2027 and promote a 20% reduction in management positions. According to Bild, the automaker allocated approximately €1 billion (R$ 5.7 billion) just for severance pay this year.
Other manufacturers are following a similar path: Porsche announced plans affecting 5,000 positions, and Jaguar Land Rover has also launched its own voluntary redundancy program.