Mercedes-Benz announces voluntary redundancy plan in Brazil

The term for joining the voluntary redundancy plan (PDV) of Mercedes-Benz begins this Wednesday (Jun. 1) and runs out in July 8. The plan aimed at auto workers from Sao Bernardo do Campo city, in São Paulo state.

According to the company, the plan had to be implemented due to the sharp drop in commercial vehicles sales, reported in recent months. The unit produces trucks, bus chassis, and other auto parts, like car engines and gearboxes.

Mercedes announced that payments to compensate the employees cannot surpass $32,000. But there is no limit to the number of employees who can join the plan. With the PDV, the automaker expects to reduce the so-called "surplus" employees, estimated at over 2,000 workers.

Currently, the plant in São Bernado do Campo has 1,800 employees on layoff, with no fixed deadline for returning to their jobs.

Translated by Amarílis Anchieta